The Biotechnology Institute Hires Environics Communications

Environics to Promote Prominent International Competition Honoring Student Biotechnology Science Research Projects

Washington, March 30, 2009 – The Biotechnology Institute, the national organization dedicated to biotechnology education, has hired Environics Communications to promote the 2009 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge.

The prestigious international biotechnology research competition recognizes high school students in the United States, Canada and Western Australia who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects. The Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute and sponsored by sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, and its vaccines division, sanofi pasteur.

Environics was retained to conduct media relations for several regional competitions as well as for the final competition, which takes place at the Biotechnology Industry Organization's (BIO) 2009 International Convention in Atlanta this May.

"We selected Environics Communications because of their knowledge of the biotech industry, their strong relationships with many of the industry's key reporters and their skill in translating complex biosciences into today's consumer and industry news," said Jeff Ghannam, vice president of communications and membership for the Biotechnology Institute.

"This is a natural partnership for our two organizations," said Environics U.S. General Manager Dave Groobert. "The Biotechnology Institute's mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about the biotechnology industry and its tremendous potential. Environics has expertise in both biotechnology and education, and we are delighted to help raise the profile of this prestigious international award, and encourage bright, young students to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry."

About The Biotechnology Institute
The Biotechnology Institute is an independent, national nonprofit organization dedicated to education about the present and future impact of biotechnology. Its mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about biotechnology and its immense potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems. For more information, visit www.biotechinstitute.org.