Initiatives

What else does BioSynergy do aside from publishing? We have a strong commitment to developing the local biotechnology industry at our primary campuses.

Here are some of our community initiatives that are changing the shape of biotechnology education.

Curricular Report to University of Toronto President David Naylor

Commissioned by University of Toronto President David Naylor in response to the simultaneous completion of the MaRS Discovery District incubator and the birth of BioSynergy, this report surveyed coursework available to undergraduates at leading biomedical universities, and provided a set of recommendations for developing coursework here at the University of Toronto.

Creation of New Coursework at the University of Toronto

One of the rigorous training exercises that our editorial team goes through are Harvard Business School written case-studies of biotechnology companies. In the case studies, students try their hand at running a theoretical biopharmaceutical company. They prepare by critically analyzing 20 to 30 page long scenarios that include drug descriptions, product development information, and financial statements. These help to sharpen analytical skills to write about biotechnology, while simultaneously creating camaraderie between BioSynergy editors.

Together with the Curricular Report, we successfully incorporated the case-studies into an official course (HMB431H1 Biotechnology: Interface between Science & Industry) to be offered at the University of Toronto in the 2008-2009 academic year.

“Students will use case studies facilitated by biotechnology experts to explore the integration of biological science with business. The focus will be on vision and strategies of newly established ventures as well as existing companies that promote significant achievement in scientific discovery, commercial application, and public awareness.”