The Asian Pacific Organization for Cell Biology Congress (APOCB) held its 6th International Congress last February 25-28, 2011, at the EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City.
With the theme “Challenges in Cell Biology: Health, Agriculture, Industry and Education”, the APOCB congress brought together educators, postgraduate and post doctoral researchers, students, and experts in cell biology to talk about the latest advances and state-of-the-art technologies in cell biology and their impact on the various fields of medicine, plant and animal sciences, biotechnology and education.
The event featured eleven plenary lectures from well-known experts on a diverse range of topics: cell biology, molecular biology, drug discovery, emerging technologies and issues in biosafety and biobanking.
During the opening ceremonies last February 26, Dr. Nobutaka Hirokawa, President of the APOCB, highlighted the significance of cell biology in his message, “Cell biology is the core of the life sciences — molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, and systems biology. And it does not only cover the basic science but also covers applied science such as pharmaceutical science, clinical medicine, and agricultural science.
In his keynote address, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo shared about the initiatives of the DOST in support of cell biology R&D, “This year, we are going to launch new policy and program initiatives on drug discovery, stem cell and genomics. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has already proposed for the creation of the Drug Discovery and Diagnostics Development Program which aims to establish and sustain the country’s capability in drug discovery and diagnostics development through collaborative research and building human, institutional and economic capacity.”
Prior to the plenary lectures, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of the poster and commercial exhibits. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
