Advising the life sciences professionals – University of Reading
15 August 2005
In the 18 months since its launch, the Thames Valley Life Sciences Network (TVLSN) has established itself as the key supporter and promoter of an innovative life sciences environment in the region. The Network provides a forum for communication and relationship building that helps create new alliances, accelerate knowledge transfer and further position the Thames Valley as a centre of excellence for life sciences. As a free-to-join networking organisation, TVLSN offers its members regular networking events focused on scientific and business issues, promotion of life sciences companies via the TVLSN online members' directory and access to the University's considerable academic and research expertise. Ian Montgomery, Customer Services Representative at MP Biomedicals (formerly ICN), said: "Attendance at the TVLSN evenings has been very worthwhile, listening to knowledgeable speakers on the very varied issues surrounding the vast potential for the future of biotechnology and its research base in the Thames Valley area, along with the opportunity to interact with all professions involved in this success story." One of the major benefits of joining TVLSN is free access to the Business Clinic, which offers high quality and impartial business guidance. A group of professionals specialising in life sciences works with the client to identify, define and clarify a problem area and outline the different options that are available to address the key issues. Jody Brown, co-founder of Dialog Devices, said: "The advice at the Business Clinic has always been comprehensive and directly focussed on the needs of this small start-up. The panel is a very good 'one-stop-shop' for helping you think through various problems and arrive at the most appropriate solution." Membership of TVLSN is free, and the Network welcomes members representing biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, food and nutrition, agricultural, environmental and other life sciences businesses. Academics, clinicians, industry suppliers and service providers are also welcome to join the Network. TVLSN is funded by the University of Reading and the South East Development agency (SEEDA) and is sponsored by GreenPark. For further information, please contact Tracey Sanderson, TVLSN Facilitator T: 0118 935 7115 F: 0118 935 7330 E: tvlsn@reading.ac.uk W: http://www.tvlsn.org Upcoming TVLSN events include: -Thursday 6 October: Networking Evening, 'Infectious Diseases', venue tbc -Thursday 8 December: Networking Evening, 'Seasonal Showcase&ellipse;Profiles of Life Science Companies in the Thames Valley', venue tbc -Wednesday 14 December: One-day Conference, 'The Biology and Business of Stroke', organised in collaboration with SPARC (Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity), The University of Reading. -TVLSN Business Clinics will also take place on Thursdays 8 September and 10 November at the Reading Enterprise Hub, The University of Reading. End For media enquiries only, please contact Craig Hillsley, the University's press officer on (tel) 0118 378 7388 or (email) c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk