UK's BIA warning on uptake of biotech R&D

The UK's BioIndustry Association has sounded a note of caution, following the government's publication of data which shows that the country remains second, behind only the USA, in terms of published academic and scientific research. The biotechnology sector's representative body pointed out that, whilst the UK is good at innovation and research, the country remains way behind many other countries in both Europe and elsewhere in terms of the uptake of innovation and the translating of research in to products.

Barbara Blaney, director of research and clinical development at the BIA, said: "it is important that we as the industry, as well as [the] government as a key funder of research in the UK, recognize the need to turn R&D into genuine outcomes such as new and innovative medicines that benefit the health and wealth of our society."

The government report was launched by the Science and Innovation Minister, Ian Pearson, at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.