Biotechnology in North Carolina

Where does North Carolina rank for biotechnology firms?

According to a report issued by Ernst & Young LLP in 2004, North Carolina ranks 3rd among U.S. states in its number of biotechnology companies behind California and Massachusetts. In addition, the Milken Institute ranked the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill MSA as the third best metropolitan region for biotechnology in the U.S. behind San Diego and Boston.

What type of research will occur at the North Carolina Research Campus?

The Dole-NC State Institute for Advanced Fruit and Vegetable Science will focus on improving the nutritional content of fruits and vegetables with the goal of enhancing human health, increasing agricultural production and providing supporting scientific ideas and technologies.

The North Carolina Institute for Excellence in Nutrition will focus on research examining the relationship between nutrition and the brain, obesity, and cancer. Work will include basic science on the causes of cancer and the related genetic, biological and behavioral mechanisms. Researchers will collaborate with NC State and with Dole to translate research into practice, with the goal of promoting better nutrition throughout the state and nation.

 What skills will workers need?

According to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, employees with high school diplomas, certificates or AAS degrees make up 67% of the total workforce in biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. BS graduates make up 27%, and those with graduate degrees comprise 6%.

(courtesy North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Window on the Workplace 2003)

 How old is the biotechnology industry?

According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, humans have used the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products such as bread and cheese. However, during the 1960s and 1970s our understanding of biology reached a point where scientists could use the smallest parts of organisms – their biological molecules – to put these molecules, such as DNA and proteins to work for us.

For a timeline, please visit http://www.ncbiotech.org/biotech101/timeline.cfm.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is an outstanding resource for questions related to the biotechnology industry. For more information, please visit http://www.ncbiotech.org/. They also house a “Biotech 101” section that can be viewed by clicking here: Biotech 101.