World class Bioentrepreneur Robert Tjian speaks at “Fundación Ciencia para la Vida”

17/12/2007

Dr. Tjian, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California at Berkeley , held a pleasant and relaxed conversation with researchers from Fundación on new scientific developments in the field of biology, and their practical applications for the development of new products and services in the areas of biotechnology and biopharma. His lecture was part of the “Seminar Series” organized by Fundación Ciencia para la Vida, and sponsored by MIFAB, and was held at the Enrique Méndez Auditorium.

Pablo Valenzuela, Director of Fundación Ciencia para la Vida introduced Dr. Tjian and thanked him for the visit, stressing that: “the biotechnology and biopharma areas hold an important place within the scientific and academic community which extends significantly to wide ranging sectors of our country”.

The founder of the Biotechnology company Tularik (currently Amgen) specializing in genetic treatment research, spoke of establishing a venture capital fund managed primarily by researchers, where their expertise will offer a new way of investing in biotech companies, where the aim is to establish a long term relationship with the companies funded, backed by investments larger than an average VC deal.

Also, in his lecture, Robert Tjian pointed out that: “people have to be motivated to create innovative companies, not only by the wealth they might create for them, but they also have to be prepared to assume risks and the constant change taking place around them”.

Prominent Fundación scientists attended the lecture, namely Dr. Arturo Yudelevich, Executive Vice President of Bios Chile; Dr. Luis Burzio, Research Director of Bios Chile; Dr. David Holmes, Director of the Fundación’s Bioinformatics and Genomic Biology Center; and Dr. Erwin Krauskopf from the plant laboratory, among others.
In addition to teaching at Berkeley, Dr. Robert Tjian constantly participates in the Scientific Advisory Boards of biotechnology companies and Venture Capital Funds such as Genentech, Chiron, Amgen, and Kai Pharmaceuticals, among others.

Dr. Robert Tjian in the labs of Fundación Ciencia para la Vida
Dr. Robert Tjian in the labs of Fundación Ciencia para la Vida
Dr. Pablo Valenzuela, Director of Fundación and Dr. Bernardita Méndez, President of Fundación, chairing the discusión of Dr. Tjian lecture at the Enrique Méndez Auditorium.
Dr. Pablo Valenzuela, Director of Fundación and Dr. Bernardita Méndez, President of Fundación, chairing the discusión of Dr. Tjian lecture at the Enrique Méndez Auditorium.

 

 

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