Five students from the University of Glasgow are travelling to Singapore on Friday 2 July 2004 to represent the University at the inaugural Universitas 21 Summer School.

Themed Global Technology Entrepreneurship students will learn how to commercialise technologies and then propose and present business plans at the concluding Symposium.

The Glasgow students will be working within culturally diverse teams with students from Australia and Canada. Other students attending come from countries including United States, Sweden, Germany, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore itself.

The Glasgow team will be working on a technology developed at the University by Dr Andy Baker of the Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences Department.

Dr Baker and his team have targeted cell specific peptides capable of specifically binding to endothelial cells which are in continuous contact with the bloodstream and integrally involved in cardiovascular abnormalities. They have created a virus which stays in the bloodstream for longer, delivering genes or drugs to specific areas of the body. The technology can be used for a variety of cardiovascular applications or to create new products in other areas.

One of the students heading off to Singapore is Michael Bowes. He said "I'm delighted to be able to take part in this experience which will provide not only an excellent educational opportunity but also the chance to participate in something so culturally different."

Greig Sinclair, the Student Enterprise Manager added, "the Summer School is an amazing cultural opportunity and it provides the students with the opportunity to be involved in the commercialisation process, something that very few students experience."

For more information on the U21 Summer School contact Greig Sinclair on t: 0141 330 2625, e: greig.sinclair@enterprise.gla.ac.uk

Kate Richardson (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 23 June 2004