Biotech education grows with business demand
Valencian organizations create new Biotechnology education initiatives to fulfill the needs of a growing sector.
The biotechnology sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the Valencia region. Its demand for highly qualified employees is driving the creation of programs to mold current students into innovative researchers and providing existing workers the specialized skills they need to lead biotechnology organizations.
The University Polytechnic of Valencia has recently seen the graduation of its first students participating in their Biotechnology degree. The degree is designed to produce professionals able to research, innovate, and develop biotechnological solutions in all aspects of the sector. Furthermore, the success and interest in the field has lead to the development of a Master in Biomedical Biotechnology focused on developing bench to bedside research techniques.
The Catholic University of Valencia has also seen the need to offer a comprehensive curriculum for those interested in the Life Sciences but don’t want to follow more traditional paths such as biology, medicine, nursing or agricultural engineering. Their Biotechnology Degree allows these students to fulfill their vocation studying a new discipline with strong ties to research and industry. The curriculum follows the new model of university instruction (European Higher Education Area) focusing on the needs of students and their acquisition of a series of abilities, capacities and competences. In order to reach these goals, the university is hiring a new teaching team with years of experience in the various frontiers of Biotechnology (genomics, natural products, microbial engineering, biofuels, proteomics, sythetic biology, etc.) who will work with existing professors to offer a clear path from academia to the private sector.
Furthermore, BIOVAL is currently finishing the 2nd year of its Business Biotechnology course. Aimed at recent graduates and biotechnology professionals, the program is designed to offer a broader view of the intricacies of working in a biotechnology company. The course features current specialists in Finance, R&D, Human Resources, Patent Law, Business Development, etc. to offer a practical view of the sector as well as develop professional abilities such as negotiation, presentation skills, and time management skills. The overwhelming success of the first 2 editions will lead to the opening of a third in the near future. The program’s mix is unique in offering a business perspective to a technically dominated field is highly desired by both companies and individuals looking to increase their marketability and professional network.
Both the industry and more traditional university oriented programs are developing a highly trained pool of talent that will lead the Valencian biotechnology sector to a prosperous future.
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The Valencian region’s push in biotechnology has created very fertile ground for outside investment in the numerous spin-offs and start ups. One of the objectives for Bioval is to identify the innovative ideas and business opportunities based in Biotechnology to provide alternatives to traditional investment options. Grow with Biotechnolgy. More information.
The biotechnology sector in the Valencian Region is already composed of a diverse mix of companies, ranging from multinational sector leaders, to innovative start up companies beginning to make their mark. The diversity of these companies is further expounded by the broad range of biotech projects.
