As a fine example of systems biology (where gene x environment interactions are crucial), nutrigenomics has been given mainstream legitimacy by the flood of lactose-free dairy products now marketed for hypolactasic individuals. Nutrigenomics is injecting hard science into anecdotal dietary & fitness practices, as gene polymorphism tests and micronutrient assays now go hand-in-hand with lifestyle counseling. Our panel of specialists will present the latest scientific advances in nutrigenomics and its real-life applications.

Regulatory regimes for biotech-derived medicinal products have to strike a sometimes delicate balance between protecting the public from potentially hazardous products on one hand and giving patients rapid access to life-saving and/or QoL-boosting medications on the other. By taking these issues into account during the development process, biopharmaceutical companies can add significant value to their product portfolios and facilitate the marketing authorization process. Our expert speakers will tell you how!

Prebiotics and probiotics are now mainstream food products – at least for "early adopters". However, simply saying "eat this, it's good for you" may not be enough to make most consumers change their dietary habits! Delivery of visible, direct, individual benefit - quality of life, in short – has become a major issue. Pre/probiotics are now being tested clinically using validated, disease-specific QoL scales in conditions as varied as chronic rhinosinusitis, Crohn’s disease and hepatic cirrhosis. Come and listen to a series of insightful presentations by start-ups, multinationals and academics.

Despite the persistence of regulatory & ethical issues, plant- and animal-based recombinant products are capable of adding value to the agricultural, medical and feed & food sectors. High-throughput studies of pest resistance biomarkers herald higher but more sustainable yields for economically important crops, whilst genotyping techniques can profile population dynamics in plant and animal species and help conserve biodiversity. In the medical field, transgenesis technology enables production of high-added-value proteins in the milk of farm animals. Experts from around the world will provide insight and commentary on the latest innovations and products.

Biobanks (also known as biological resource centers) are now essential tools in basic & applied bioscience, clinical investigation and, increasingly, medical care itself. Cutting-edge automated sample processing, identification, storage, retrieval and analysis technologies and early adoption of standard operating procedures and good laboratory practice mean that most true biobanks are extremely professional organizations. But as technical and scientific horizons are being pushed back, have the organizational and ethical issues moved on too?