13/11/2003

Biophotonics Workshop Aims at Shaking the Telecom Blues

GATINEAU, November 13, 2003 – The Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovations (CIPI), a federal Network of Centres of Excellence, and Vitesse Re-Skilling™ Canada Inc. are organizing BioLIGHT 2003 - Canada’s first biophotonics primer and workshop, November 13 to 16 in Gatineau, Québec. BioLIGHT 2003 is an event targeted at two main audiences: academic and industry researchers who are interested in developing and applying advanced photonics technologies in biotechnology, environment studies, biomedical sciences, biosecurity and biodefence; and technology executives and managers who are seeking new channels for business and marketing development.

Biophotonics - the application of laser and photonics technology-based capabilities to life sciences - is a rapidly emerging field with a wide range of potential applications. Examples include early cancer detection and treatment, ultrahigh resolution microscopy, minimally-invasive imaging to monitor tissue function or to guide surgery and other therapeutic techniques, instruments to measure the pattern of gene expression in cells and methods to detect or identify dangerous chemicals or pathogens in the environment.

“While telecommunications development lies dormant, the sophisticated technology it inspired is being extended to new applications such as biophotonics” said CIPI President Ian MacDonald. Dr. MacDonald added that: “Much of the talent that spurred on the telecommunications revolution in Canada is still here, very much active and eager to develop new applications and to promote new companies. Through BioLIGHT, we hope to foster the interactions that inspire new research directions, technologies and business opportunities.”

Vitesse Re-Skilling ™ Canada’s President Arvind Chhatbar is very optimistic about the positive outcomes the workshop will generate. “To meet constantly and rapidly evolving needs especially in the area of health care, we must help physical scientists and engineers make the transition to the bio world”, he said. Mr. Chhatbar also indicated that “Canada must produce a new generation of professionals and researchers to keep up with growing demands and a workshop such as BioLIGHT, which assembles such an impressive roster of distinguished speakers, will go a long way in raising awareness of new key technologies”.

Both Presidents feel strongly that their initiative will contribute to Canada's ability to lead in areas of research and technology development where high economic and social impact will be felt.

About CIPI

CIPI was established as a Network of Centres of Excellence in 1999 with the mandate to harness and develop the talents of Canadian researchers from universities and the private and public sectors for the purpose of placing Canada at the forefront of photonic research in the 21st century. The Network of Centres of Excellence Program is an initiative of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Industry Canada.

About Vitesse

Vitesse brings career-oriented professionals, educators, and industry partners together and collaboratively shapes individualized training solutions - providing new and relevant skills for the knowledge-based economy to enable emerging clusters to thrive and grow through immediate availability of skilled professionals. The innovative Re-Skilling Model is a proven model to meet the changing requirements of industry.

For information :            Diane Déziel, Communications Coordinator

                                    Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovations

                                    (418) 656-3013 / diane.deziel@cipi.ulaval.ca

                                    Dr. R. Ian MacDonald, President

                                    Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovations

                                    (418) 656-3013 / r.ian.macdonald@cipi.ulaval.ca

                                    Dr. Stoyan Tanev, Program Manager

                                    Vitesse Re-Skilling™ Canada Inc.

                                    (613) 746-3595 ext. 228 / stoyan.tanev@vitesse.ca.

                                    Arvind Chhatbar, President

Vitesse Re-Skilling™ Canada Inc.

                                    (613) 746-3595 ext. 223/ arvind.chhatbar@vitesse.ca