Annual report 2004 - Compagnia di San Paolo

The laboratories of
the Biotechnology
Foundation
26
Biotechnology Foundation - Turin
The term “biotechnology” defines the integrated use
of biology, chemistry and engineering for the
development of new products by way of living
organisms, parts or products of these. Many
techniques of molecular biology and genetic
engineering are now widespread and consolidated.
This has allowed the biotechnologies to become an
innovative sector of development in many fields,
from research and production of new medicines to
innovation in the agri-foodstuffs field, protection of
the environment and cultural heritage.
The Turin Biotechnology Foundation whose
founding members are Piedmont Region, Aosta
Valley Region, the Compagnia di San Paolo and Fiat
S.p.A., seeks to spread knowledge, stimulate
training, support research in the biotechnology field
for the sectors of health, agriculture, foodstuffs,
protection and conservation of the environment and
protection and conservation of cultural heritage. The
Foundation pursues its objectives organising
national and international conventions, residential
training courses, seminars and conferences and
promoting research and the circulation of both paper
and multimedia publications.
the Information and Communication
Technologies, with the establishment of the
Istituto Superiore Mario Boella (ISMB), in
partnership with Turin Polytechnic (see the
chapter on the permanent organisations).
During 2004, alongside the annual contribution
to the activities of the ISMB, the Compagnia also
awarded a significant grant for initiatives
connected to ICT – Distretto Torino Wireless.
From 1997 to today the Compagnia has
supported the activity of the Foundation for
Biotechnologies to the tune of over € 750,000,
€ 150,000 of which in 2004.
Scientific dissemination
The Compagnia gives particular attention to the
popularisation of science topics. In 2004
a substantial grant was awarded for the
production of a second edition of the Genoa
Science Festival, an exhibition which has by
now become a reference point for dialogue on
research, teaching and scientific information.
Additionally, support for consolidated initiatives
aimed at the public at large is highlighted, such
as Giovedì Scienza and the national Week of
Scientific and technological Culture”, run by the
Associazione Centro Scienza of Turin, by now
well-established appointments to review new
frontiers of science and technology, also
through meetings and debates with researchers
and scholars of international fame.