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The biotechnology pole |
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Genetics
for the agro- and biotechnology industries |
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biotechnology pole’s foundations lie in
the local agricultural industry with its high-quality
cattle breeding and natural environment. It is
now widely renowned.
At the University, Genius Biotechnologies develops
its research and transfer skills in genetics, cell
and molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
Other advanced research capacities such as plant
biology and in vitro cultures also exist. BIO CRITT
is in charge of technology transfers to firms,
some of which were set up following research activities.
This pole is also supplemented with several training
institutions.
Agribusiness is very present in Limousin and
represents 750 firms and 6000 employees. But
the biotechnology pole also includes the cosmetic
and pharmaceutical industries, and gave birth
to firms such as BIODEV
RECHERCHE, ID
BIO and METIS
BIOTECHNOLOGIES all set up on the ESTER
site.
The Genius Biotechnology Institute is made
up of three main units:
- The Animal Molecular Genetics Unit
(UGMA), in association with INRA (the National
Institute for Agronomic Research), works on
expanding knowledge in bovine, ovine, and porcine
genomics, as well as on genes specific to the
selection and genetic evolution of livestock.
- The Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular
Biology Unit (UBBCM) does research on the cell
aging process and develops cell and molecular
tools.
- The Applied Biotechnology Unit (UBA),
in partnership with ENSIL,
is responsible for bio-cell technologies,
especially for the treatment and upgrading
of waste.
The Institute also enables firms to have access
to the University Department of Flow Cytometry,
which represents an important measuring and characterization
tool. |
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The Lanaud site hosts the center for the genetic assessment
and selection of young Limousin bulls. The Limousin breed professionals,
along with researchers from INRA, the Breeding Institute (Institut de l’Elevage),
and Genius, have long been working on programs aiming at improving the breed’s genetic characteristics
as well as the means of identification for the consumer.
Limousin is also developing a technical platform at ENSIL with two more specific goals: on the one hand,
the upgrading and treatment of effluents and waste emitted by the agribusiness and bio-industries;
on the other hand, the monitoring and quality control of agribusiness products in bacteriology and toxicology.
This work is closely related to the work of the “Technopole Viandes du Limousin”
(the Limousin Meat Technopolis), the “Institut de l’Elevage” (the Breeding Institute),
the University Laboratory of Applied Biology, and the agribusiness technical platform at Les Vaseix
(CIBIAL, short for the Center of Innovation for Biotechnologies and Agribusiness Industries in Limousin).
This pole, which includes in particular the Biotechnology Institute,
ENSIL, the Technology University Institute (IUT), the Applied Biotechnology Department,
and the BTS degree in agribusiness from Les Vaseix, offers a full range of academic training programs,
from engineer degrees to doctorates.
“Research in
genetics is changing our understanding of the
most fundamental
principles of biology.” |
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