Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology

Comvita launches PhD scholarship in natural health

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200

University of Auckland doctoral student Swapna Gannabathula has been named the inaugural recipient of the Claude Alexander Stratford Research Scholarship.

Sponsored by New Zealand natural health product company Comvita, and established in association with The University of Auckland, the scholarship provides three years of funding for a doctoral student based at the university and studying a topic related to natural health products.

Comvita’s founder Claude Stratford marked his 100th birthday earlier this week and the announcement of the scholarship was part of his birthday celebrations held at Comvita’s headquarters in Paengaroa on Friday 20 August.

Comvita is one of several biotechnology companies co-located at the Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology. The institute is New Zealand’s leading bio-incubator, providing biotechnology companies with access to the university’s expertise and resources in order to accelerate their research and development.

Director of the Institute, Professor Joerg Kistler, says that the scholarship demonstrates the commitment of Comvita to the development of innovative natural health products backed by credible scientific research, and that it is a vital part of the partnership between the company and the university.

Jonathan Stephens, Ralf Schothauer, Swapna Gannabathula, Brett Hewlett, Joerg Kistler, Geoff Krissansen

Source: Comvita launches PhD scholarship in natural health

IIB partner Plant & Food Research launches Summer Studentship Programme 2010/11

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

For the fourth year in a row Plant &Food Research launched its popular Summer Studentship Programme at a function held in the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences. The ever increasing numbers of students attending the annual launch function highlight the value the students see in these internships which offer a broad range of basic and applied science projects. Students value the experience of working in a CRI where discoveries and translation into products become seamless. Detailed information on this programme can be found on the web.

http://careers.plantandfood.co.nz.

Source: IIB partner Plant & Food Research launches Summer Studentship Programme 2010/11

IIB hosts NZBIO-Auckland network dinner

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

The fourth edition of the popular mid-winter “An Evening with Wine” was held in The University of Auckland’s Business School and was attended by over 60 representatives from industry and academia. Guests were briefed on the continuing growth of New Zealand’s first dedicated bio-incubator which uses laboratories and offices on thematic floors across the expanded Thomas complex. In accordance with the theme of the evening, Professor Richard Gardner, leader of the FRST funded wine science programme, conducted a wine tasting and presented highlights of new research findings which are already being adopted by the wine industry.

Source: IIB hosts NZBIO-Auckland network dinner

Bioscience Strategies NZ Ltd takes an office in the IIB

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Bioscience Strategies NZ Ltd. is a consultancy focused on commercial strategies and business development for early and mid-stage enterprises in the life sciences.

Jim Mervis, Managing Director of Bioscience Strategies, is a catalyst for success in company development in life sciences. He has an extensive background in securities and commercial transactions; defining and establishing strategic alliances and securing the financial and human resources for corporate growth. During the past ten years, Mr. Mervis played a pivotal role in the structure, finance and management of four of the most notable bio-pharmaceutical start-ups of the period: Barrier Therapeutics, Cardiokine, Intercept Pharmaceuticals and CoDa Therapeutics. He currently serves as Chairman of CoDa Therapeutics Inc. and a Director of Polybatics Ltd. In addition, he is an Advisor to New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, University of Auckland's Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology and Uniservices.

http://nz.linkedin.com/pub/jim-mervis/8/540/414

Source: Bioscience Strategies NZ Ltd takes an office in the IIB

Roof shout party marks progress with construction of Thomas Building extension

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1200

Over a hundred guests involved in the planning, design and construction of the Thomas Building extension attended a roof shout party at Old Government House. Construction is on schedule for completion in early September, with final fit-out and furnishing expected to be complete in mid-November. The extended Thomas Complex will provide over 10,000m2 of research space over five thematic floors for academic and industry scientists.

Source: Roof shout party marks progress with construction of Thomas Building extension