High-level ministerial visit to the Biotechnology Research Center

On Saturday, December 14^th, 2024, the Biotechnology Research Center witnessed a high-level ministerial visit, including Professor Kamal Baddari, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Mr. Fouad Hajji, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Industry in charge of Pharmaceutical Production.

The visit started with a comprehensive presentation by Professor Ammar Azioune, Director of the Biotechnology Research Center, in which he reviewed the Center’s strategy and its most prominent achievements in the fields of research and development. This presentation allowed the delegation to learn about the pivotal role played by the Center in promoting scientific research and developing the biotechnology sector to serve the national economy.

After the presentation, Professor Kamal Baddari, and Mr. Fouad Haji, gave two speeches, in which they emphasized the pivotal role played by scientific research in driving the wheel of economic and technological development in Algeria.

The two ministers stressed that scientific research is one of the main pillars for achieving the required economic transformation, and that it must be optimally invested to develop strategic sectors. The need to activate cooperation between research and industrial institutions was also emphasized to direct research results towards practical applications that contribute to enhancing food security and Algeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

In the same context, Dr. Hicham Charfi, Director of the Constantine Plateau Technopolis, gave a detailed presentation on the tasks and activities of the Technopolis, reviewing the innovative projects it hosts. During this session, localization certificates were also delivered to a number of start-ups operating in various fields, reflecting the great dynamism witnessed by this facility in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Algeria.

The visit program included the launch of the proteomics platform, which is one of the most advanced in its field, where the delegation was briefed on technologies used in advanced research. The two ministers also launched the start-up “Memical”, which is hosted by the Center, and is a pioneering model in the field of Biotechnology 4.0 at the national level, reflecting the Center’s strategy towards enhancing innovation and competition in this vital sector.

The delegation also visited the headquarters of the National Agency for Pharmaceutical Products, where a partnership and cooperation agreement was signed between the agency and the Biotechnology Research Center. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation between both sides in the field of research and development, and intensify joint efforts to accelerate the transfer of scientific innovations to pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

The visit concluded with the inauguration of the Center’s agricultural experimental station in El-Baaraouiya, as this station represents a qualitative step towards enhancing integration between scientific research and agricultural field applications, in a way that serves the goals of sustainable development and enhances national food security.