Research and innovation models are changing dramatically. The emergence of platforms such as advanced therapeutics is accelerating a change from innovation within big centres and universities to smaller, decentralised and more focused units.

There are sinister moves in the world of data protection, and I need to mobilise you – my crack squad of guerrilla scientists. The EC is showing its ugly face, and it’s going to impact you.

PromoKine offers a wide range of products for cell analysis including numerous kits for fast, convenient and sensitive measurement of cell viability/proliferation, cytotoxicity, cell death and apoptosis, cell stress and metabolism as well as reporter gene expression.

This tool outlines the best products and services for your research needs, which can help save you weeks of hands-on time.

As we all know, the European Commission is under intense pressure to reduce costs and shed the image of being a gravy train. This is a favourite topic at the national level in the ongoing fight against the reign of terror from Brussels.

There’s no question that Europe’s biotech sector produces high-quality science. We have world-class research organisations and start-ups, as witnessed by the number of alliances with Big Pharma and the number of products being registered.

Shhhhh, is that the sound of a chicken coming home to roost in Switzerland? Worried? If you are a scientist working internationally, you should be – and not just because you want a job in Switzerland.

In October 2012, the European Commission issued a communication on its new Industrial policy identifying biotechnology as one of six Key Enabling Technologies. Biotech will be an important tool in helping Europe deliver on its Europe 2020 strategy of creating an innovative, resource-efficient, smart, sustainable and inclusive economy.

When penicillin was discovered by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928, people around the world believed it was one of the greatest medical and scientific advances in the history of mankind – and they were right. Before penicillin, a bacterial infection in a minor cut or injury could easily become fatal. Diseases like scarlet fever, pneumonia, meningitis and diphtheria were essentially untreatable.

I am spoiled for choice this month on things that make me happy about biotech. Three things have happened across Europe that confirm the field has great people that work hard, recognise the truth when it is kicking you in the ankle and aren’t afraid to try something different.