Aberdeen University knows how to appeal to today’s money-conscious teenagers. A course, starting next October, will offer undergraduates studying for medical sciences the chance to study biobusiness.

Students can run their own virtual biotechnology company, see what it takes to be a director of a business in the sector, and develop the necessary skills to pitch for funding. They will learn from “respected scientists and lawyers - key players in their fields”, who will form an industrial liaison group to nurture the students.

Professor of biotechnology Andy Porter is an adviser to the Scottish Government and has established a venture fund to invest in Scottish biotechnology companies. He says: “When it comes to commercialising our science, making that critical journey from the lab to the market place, Scotland could do better.”

Stuart Munro, co-chair of the Scottish Science Advisory Council, agrees: “Aberdeen University’s new bio-business degree is an exciting innovation capitalising on Scotland’s excellence in bio-medical research and drug development, but recognising the challenges in taking this science to the market.”

www.bioindustry.org.