Welcome to the webpage of Louisiana State University AgCenter Biotechnology Interest Group (BIG). BIG was initiated by ABL for AgCenter scientists and administration. The central theme of BIG is to identify research areas of interest that have potential for product development. We would like to become better able to facilitate the translation of basic plant and animal molecular biology research into product development.
The BIG goals:
· provide forum for generating new ideas
· facilitate movement of research from the laboratory to the market
BIG sponsors lecture series From the Lab to the Market. The lecture series aims to bring together entrepreneurial experiences with scientific exploration. Selected speakers will share their experiences in bringing a new technology from the lab to the market, their views on what the interactions between the academic and corporate community should be, where to get funding, how to get started, and much more. BIG meets quarterly at the LSU AgCenter. Following the lectures attendees will have a chance to meet those interested in translational research while eating Pizza. Dates and times for the lectures can be found on the BIG Calendar. If you have suggestions for invited speakers, please email soard@agctr.lsu.edu; or if you have an access to the BIG Forum, post your suggestions on the “Planning BIG Meetings” Discussion Board.
BIG sponsors the Biotech Forum which provides BIG members with a platform for discussion and sharing first-hand experiences and views on aspects of applied research, development, and manufacturing technologies for the agbiotech industry. Several Discussion Boards, capability “Find an expert”, and libraries of research protocols are available. To request access to the Biotech Forum please email soard@agctr.lsu.edu with a subject line “BIG Forum”.
Join Us. You may join BIG as a member or committee member. Becoming a member is free and open to public. If you would like to become more involved, you may join the BIG committee. Please email soard@agctr.lsu.edu with a subject line “BIG membership”.
BIG Calendar
August 14, 2007. BIG opening lecture, 112 Efferson Hall, 3 PM.
Invited speakers:
- Dr. Boethel, Vice Chancellor & Director, Louisiana AgCenter Experimental Station
- Dr. Richard Cooper, Professor, LSU AgCenter Department of Veterinary Science and head of the startup biotech company TRANSGENRX Inc., title “Academia to Business: A perspective on transition from the lab to commercialization”.