Saskatoon, Saskatchewan–(business wire)–Modern society cannot exist without biotechnology. From vaccines and medicines to crops, food, cleaners and industrial products, biotechnology benefits every area of ​​our lives.

Saskatchewan celebrates Global Biotechnology Week to showcase the state’s scientific achievements and raise awareness of how science impacts our lives. Ag-West Bio, with the support of local committees, coordinates the activities of Global Biotech Week in Saskatchewan each year. This week is packed with both public and industry events.

Karen Churchill, president and CEO of Ag-West Bio, says the people of Saskatchewan have good reason to admire biotechnology. “Here in our state, we have world-class research, and a lot of work is being done in crop development, high-level vaccine research centers, and fermentation research and development activities of all kinds. We should be proud of our community.”

The State of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon and the City of Regina have each declared 26th September to 2nd October 2022 as Global Biotech Week.

Activities in Saskatchewan include:

• Nuit Blanche: Making Art with Bacteria – September 24th – A beautiful collaboration between Nuit Blanche and Sask Polytechnic. Harmless Escherichia coli is used for paint. When the bacteria multiply, magic happens! (Oskayak School – Broadway & Maine, Saskatoon).
• A Taste of Innovation – September 26 – An industry luncheon at Boffins to kick off a week of celebrating science!
• Indigenous Voices in Science – September 27 – Hosted by the Genome Prairie, a panel of academics and researchers will share their experiences and perspectives on Indigenous advancements in research and science.
• Café Scientifique: Why Communities Are at the Center of Global Conservation – 27th September – Join Dr. James Robson (USask) for a hybrid presentation at Innovation Place.
• Light Source Tour of Canada – September 28th – Tour the Canadian Synchrotron and learn how researchers and industry are using cutting-edge synchrotron technology to drive innovation in biotechnology.
• Biotech Explosion: Dr. Kevin Folta’s Amazing Innovations in Agriculture and Medicine – Sept. 28
  
  Learn from University of Florida professor and award-winning science communicator Kevin Folta, PhD, how scientists are working with nature to benefit people and the planet.
• Biotech & Beer @The Mix: The Original “Micro” Brewery: Connecting Yeast and Beer Flavors – Sept. 29
  
  The event will include a talk and beer tasting by Dr. Chris Eskiw (USask), followed by Biotech Trivia.
• Climate Cool: Exploring Scientific Solutions for Sustainability – October 1 – Classroom farming will be held at the Nutrien Wonderhub, along with hands-on tabletop science activities for all ages. A primer on how to design posters that illustrate scientific concepts prepares students for poster contests.
• Sask Food Center Open House – October 4th – Tour the food center and learn how its fermentation and bioengineering programs help accelerate food (and pet food) innovation.
• Startupville Podcast – Check out our special Biotech Week Edition.

For more information on the event, please visit www.globalbiotechweeksask.ca.

About Global Biotech Week:

Biotech Week, which started in Canada in 2003, is now recognized worldwide as Global Biotech Week. Upcoming events in the US, Europe, Australia and Canada highlight the innovation and creativity of life science researchers. BIOTECanada is leading the Global Biotech Week with partners across Canada. For more information on Global Biotech Week around the world, visit globalbiotechweek.ca.

About Ag-West Bio:

Ag-West Bio is Saskatchewan’s bioscience trade association. The company acts as a catalyst to foster partnerships and industry growth in the bioeconomy by providing investments, strategic alliance support, business planning support, regulatory advice and communications. Funding for Ag-West Bio is provided by the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) program of the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.