Lecture to explore economics of biotechnology

Contact: Bob Ratliff

An internationally recognized leader in the biotechnology industry will present the final 1999 Hearin Biotechnology Project Seminar Wednesday [Dec. 8] at Mississippi State University.

Ralph Hardy, president of the Ithaca, N.Y.-based National Agricultural Biotechnology Council will lead the 2 p.m. public program in 118 Thompson Hall. Titled "Bio-based Economy of the 21st Century," his presentation will outline the economics of biologically based food, fiber and fuel.

Hardy, who has served in his current position since 1996, is a research scientist and administrator of more than two decades with E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. in Wilmington, Del. He earlier held leadership positions in other biotechnology companies and has been a visiting professor of life sciences at Cornell University.

Funded by the Jackson-based Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation, the Hearin Biotechnology Project Seminar Series is part of MSU's support of the biotechnology industry in Mississippi.

Biotechnology uses the data and techniques of engineering and technology for the study and solution of problems involving living organisms.

For additional information on the seminar, telephone Tinna Hall at (662)-325-9511.