AROUND 50 leading figures in the region's life sciences industry will be gathering today at the Scottish Marine Institute based at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) laboratory near Oban in Argyll.

Hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) the event, entitled Active Science for Business Growth will draw together companies and academic researchers who have common interests and goals from across Scotland and beyond.

Steven Dodsworth, head of life sciences said at HIE, said: "The use of natural products within the pharmaceutical, nutriceutical and cosmeceutical industries is of particular importance for the life science sector in the Highlands and Islands. This event will be an ideal opportunity to develop research and commercial interests and establish new connections and collaborations between interested people across Scotland and beyond."

The keynote speaker will be Professor Marcel Jaspars, chair of organic chemistry at the University of Aberdeen.

Dr Andrew Mearns Spragg, CEO of Aquapharm, based at the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology at SAMS said: "It is vital for life science researchers to be able to build strong relationships with those who can help us to commercialise our work. HIE is helping to overcome the challenges we face through this event, enabling us to develop these dialogues and discuss common aims with others working in the same area."