SubscribeBritish Member of Parliament John Denham Visits RTP Seeking Links Between Education, Innovation, Venture
North Carolina's renowned research campuses, workforce training on display
John Denham Visits North Carolina Biotechnology Center
John Denham, a British Member of Parliament and Secretary of State to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, has begun a two-day visit to Research Triangle Park institutions, including the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.
Denham was accompanied by several other representatives of the British delegation in meetings today and Wednesday with representatives of North Carolina State University, Duke University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Community College System and several venture capital funds.
At the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Centeron the NCSU Centennial Campus, Denham was scheduled for a tour and a meeting with officials from the NCCCS BioNetwork program. He then was to address an invitation-only reception on the Duke campus at the Levine Science Research Center.
Wednesday morning's briefing at the Biotechnology Center is scheduled with Ken Tindall, Ph.D., senior vice president of science and business development.
Biotechnology Research, Business, Education and Workforce Training
Denham, who was first elected as an MP from Southampton in 1992, has been involved in public service through various elected city and county government posts since 1990. Last June he was appointed to the newly formed Secretary of State post by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
A graduate of Southampton University, Denham was head of youth affairs at the British Council from 1979 until 1983, was responsible for public education and advocacy for War on Want from 1984 to 1988, and subsequently worked for Christian Aid, Oxfam and other development agencies. He was appointed by the Queen as a Privy Counsellor.
The Biotechnology Center is a private, non-profit corporation supported by the N.C. General Assembly. Its mission is to provide long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina by supporting biotechnology research, business, education and workforce training statewide.