MONTREAL, April 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Over 70 leading international scientific and business experts will address pressing issues in health at the 2012 Biotech International Symposium to be held next May 2-3 at the Université de Montréal's Laval Campus in the heart of the City of Biotechnology and Human Health of Metropolitan Montréal (Biotech City).

"Given the uncertain global economy, it is vital that the life sciences and health technology sector adopt new working methods to ensure that even the most extraordinary ideas become reality. 2012 Biotech will provide a forum for stakeholders to participate in this crucial process of continuous improvement," said Dr. Samir Mounir, Co-Chair of 2012 Biotech International Symposium and Director, BIOPÔLE and Biotech City, Laval TECHNOPOLE.

2012 Biotech International Symposium marks Biotech City's 10th anniversary and will include prominent and respected speakers such a Nobel Prize contenders Michael Houghton Viral Hepatitis and inflammatory diseases) and Joe Cohen Malaria Vaccine Development) as well as Mark Wainberg (infectious diseases) and Nahum Sonenberg (cancer). The event expects to welcome 400 delegates from the academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, business, finance, entrepreneurial and government sectors.

"This symposium is a unique opportunity for international life sciences and health technology experts and professionals to connect and address some of society's challenges in the area of health. Experts in basic and applied research as well as development, from universities and industry, will present a state-of-the-art program and together, explore crucial scientific and business issues," said Dr. Pierre Talbot, Co-Chair of 2012 Biotech International Symposium and Professor, INRS-Institut Armand Frappier.

The event will address almost 20 themes ranging from new drug sources to intellectual property, from financing to specific disease areas. As well, sessions will include the latest innovations in life sciences and health technology from the perspective of research and development, new technologies, business strategies and financing models.

To view the program and register, visit: www.2012biotech.com