24 September 2024
The BioGENext conference was dedicated to the latest advances in the development of next-generation therapeutics. The program featured presentations by leading international and Ukrainian speakers from academia and industry on nucleic acid and recombinant protein-based therapies, gene editing, bioinformatics, and other translational research.
High-quality science and the ability to translate its results into innovative products or technologies are key to Ukraine's future development. Pharmaceutical biotechnology should be among the priority sectors, as it determines the ability of society to face global health challenges, as large as pandemics and as unique as orphan diseases.
For the integration of Ukrainian science into the international community, it is crucial for academia, industry, and government to work together to achieve a common goal: creating an environment conducive to the development and promotion of biomedical research. Recognizing the importance of building strong ties between stakeholders within the country and internationally, the organizers held a conference that became a platform for interaction between key stakeholders in biomedical and biopharmaceutical research in Ukraine.
The BioGENext conference, which brought together 750 participants from over 25 countries, both in person and online.
The conference kicked off with two excellent keynote addresses. Prof. Janusz Bujnicki from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw presented groundbreaking insights into computer modeling of 3D RNA structures and their therapeutic applications. After that, Dr. Ben Kleinstiver from Harvard Medical School shared his experience in the field of genome editing technologies, emphasizing their enormous potential in therapy.
The official welcome ceremony featured inspirational speeches by key figures in the field. The conference co-chair, Prof. Mykhailo Tukalo (Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), set the tone, followed by Dmytro Derkach, CEO of Yuria-Pharm, who emphasized the importance of developing high-tech innovations and research capacity in the biomedical sector of Ukraine. We also heard from Anatoliy Zagorodny, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, who emphasized the importance of biotechnology research for the development of medicine.
The ceremony ended with a welcoming speech by Denys Kurbatov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Inessa Skrypkina
is a Doctor of Biology, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the Kyiv Academic University, Head of the Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biosynthesis at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Inessa Skrypkina's work focuses on molecular biology and biotechnology, in particular on the study of the development of malignant tumors and their resistance, the search for markers for early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Her research is aimed at identifying genetic and epigenetic changes associated with human kidney cancer and glioblastoma. Inessa Skrypkina has identified genes and microRNAs associated with poor prognosis in human kidney cancer and glioma.
Also, on September 18, 2024, a workshop was held where everyone could learn about the grant programs and competitions available in 2024-2025, which will allow Ukrainian researchers to conduct groundbreaking research and stimulate innovation. This workshop provided important information to help you get the resources you need for your projects.
On September 19, a panel discussion “Creating a strategy for the development of the biomedical and biopharmaceutical research ecosystem in Ukraine: a synergistic approach” was held as part of the BioGENext 2024 conference.
This discussion brought together leading experts from research institutions, biopharmaceutical companies and government agencies to discuss key issues of creating a research and innovation ecosystem in Ukraine. Together, we analyzed the challenges and opportunities facing Ukraine on the way to creating a modern platform for biomedical research and development.
Key topics for discussion included:
Invited speakers:
- Denys Kurbatov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science
- Mykhailo Tukalo, Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
- Dmytro Derkach, CEO of YURIA-PHARM
- Galyna Posenko, Kyiv Academic University, Academ.City
- Oksana Kashintseva, IP-office
Moderator Oksana Krykun, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship INNOV8.
On September 20, our representatives also held a workshop “The Way of Innovation: From Research to Production”, where they shared the way to transform research into market-ready products. This workshop will guide you through the key stages of development, from the birth of an idea to commercialization, help you identify challenges, assess market potential, and attract investment. Presented by Vira Filatova together with Olga Kronda of Ip Office and Bohdan Hryshchuk, with the support of Academ.City.
Nana Voytenko, neurophysiologist, head of the Sensory Signaling Department at the Bogomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, PhD in Biology:
This week the BioGeNext conference took place. Without exaggeration, it is the best conference in the field of biomedical sciences in the last decade. Bravo to YP Biotech Yuriapharm! Bravo to the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics!
What did the conference show?
Firstly, the fact that there is basic biomedical science in the country, where it can be applied, and there are stakeholders interested in it. True, they can be counted on the fingers of one hand, but they are there, and this is very good.
Secondly, I was impressed that at least on the three days that I attended the conference, the halls were full. Many scientists, many young people and students. A lively discussion. I have not seen this for a long time. This suggests that Ukrainian scientists really missed live communication, especially in the beautiful modern conditions of Unit City.
I was very pleased with Denis Kurbatov's promise to create Science.City, an analog of Diia.City, a unique legal and tax space for IT companies in Ukraine. We'll see if it can be done.
