June 27, 2008 ICGEB Recieves Grant to Strengthen and Expand Biosafety Systems in Subsaharan Africa Grant aims to help African regulatory bodies ensure safety of crop biotechnology

TRIESTE, Italy -- The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) today announced a $3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help support the development of effective safety and regulatory systems for biotechnology in Africa. The project will focus on improving training, information, and other support to regionally based specialists so African countries have the opportunity to safely access scientific advances.

To read the full press release, visit the ICGEB Web site.

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.