Boosting Tunisian biotech research
CBS is a well-known biotechnological research institute in Tunisia. However, there are areas that need to be addressed to ensure it becomes a top notch institute producing research of the highest standards. Five highly qualified European partners with requisite expertise joined forces under the EU-funded BIOPROTECH project to address CBS' shortcomings and support its sustainable growth. Through surveys and similar measures, the team identified the need for improved capacities in bioprocesses such as fermentation and microarray technologies. Also, they found knowledge in areas such as biosafety, technology transfer and EU project management to be lacking. Technical skills shortage was addressed through exchange programmes, joint lab courses, secondments, training courses and workshops, as well as several European biotech fairs and conferences. Knowledge on technology transfer and innovation, business start-ups and licensing was provided through three training sessions, coaching activities, training materials and internships. Researchers, technicians, engineers and administrative staff from CBS and other Tunisian institutions participated in these activities. This also led to the generation of several project ideas. Out of these, five proposals were submitted and three EU proposals have already been launched. A major achievement was the enhanced career prospects of three unemployed CBS graduates who received training in EU project management, technology transfer and fermentation technologies. CBS received a boost in technical know-how through improved competencies in microarray and fermentation technologies as well as implementation of improved biosafety practices. The project website contains a virtual matchmaking platform that links industrial needs with scientific competencies of prospective employees to facilitate networking between industry and academia. Additionally, this search engine links two databases that could also promote research collaborations at regional, national and international levels. Besides this, other dissemination activities included 22 meetings, flyers, posters, booklets, conferences and fairs. At the end of the project, CBS capabilities and weaknesses were re-evaluated and project partners produced recommendations for further improvement. Project activities will ultimately promote economic development in Tunisia through creation of start-ups, research collaborations and more employment opportunities.
Keywords
Biotech, biotechnological research, bioprocesses, fermentation, microarray, biosafety, technology transfer, project management
