YORKbiotech Preparing Canada’s Next Generation of Scientists and Entrepreneurs
High school students visit life sciences and IT companies in the York Region
Markham (PRWEB) May 16, 2010
For the sixth year, students from grades 9 to 12 with a special interest in science from the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) visited local companies on May 6, 2010 to experience Science in Action (SiA). These visits were intended to motivate future scientists and entrepreneurs while promoting research in biotechnology and related life science and IT companies across northern Toronto and York Region.
YORKbiotech, along with the Regional Municipality of York, the Town of Markham and York Region District School Board, organized the tour to provide students with opportunities to talk to scientists and executives in their research and development labs about future career choices. Students toured IBM, Estée Lauder, Apotex, AMD Markham, MDS Sciex, Dalton Chemical Laboratories, Sanofi Pasteur, York Central Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, York University and Seneca College at York, participating in experiments and seeing how scientific and health innovation successes contribute to Canadians’ quality of life.
“Setting the foundation for future entrepreneurship and scientific innovation is an important role that YORKbiotech plays in the growth of York Region’s bio-economy,” said Janet LeClair, chief administrative officer of YORKbiotech Inc. “Through programs like the SiA tour, we’re able to demonstrate the value of collaboration by bringing students closer to research and business in various sectors.”
York Region is in the heart of one of North America’s most dynamic hubs of technology companies. More than 120 companies are involved in producing medical devices, biopharma and medical assistive devices. In Markham, over 800 high-tech and life-sciences businesses contribute to the Region’s combined biotechnology cluster.
About YORKbiotech Inc.
YORKbiotech is a regional innovation network for biotechnology-related industries at the centre of the Greater Toronto Area. It acts as a catalyst, harnessing the wealth of intellectual and technical resources to promote economic success and growth of the biotechnology and related industries as a key component of regional economic development.
For more information on YORKbiotech, please visit www. yorkbiotech. ca.
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