On December 21, Academia Sinica’s Office of Public Affairs hosted the “Life Science and Herbal Medicine Technology Conference” at the Academia Sinica Biotechnology Experimental Center in Southern Taiwan (AS-BCST). The conference was held to facilitate technology transfer and licensing, and cooperation between industry and researchers. It introduced the latest developments in biotechnology-related research at Academia Sinica.

Eighteen innovations were presented at the conference taken from the latest research in the biosciences at Academia Sinica, including advances in research into medical treatment, herbal medicine, biofuel, enzyme industry, vaccines and agriculture. In addition, two companies presented their key technologies: tissue engineering and herbal medicine. Over 20 representatives from business and industry and 20 specialists and scholars took part in the event, which allowed representatives from business and industry, especially those located in Southern Taiwan, to explore licensing agreements and product innovations.

The Academia Sinica Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan (AS-BCST) was originally established in January, 2005, and was renamed in 2008. The goals of the AS-BCST are to collaborate with industries associated with plant biotechnology and develop potential agricultural technologies. The AS-BCST has worked in cooperation with the Taiwan Biotechnology Industry Alliance, Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry, Southern Taiwan University to bring about this conference .