The cream of the West of Scotland's life scientists are being sought for awards to celebrate the wealth of research and development expertise in the area.

The awards will be presented at a Civic Reception for Glasgow's Life Scientists in Glasgow City Chambers, hosted by Lord Provost Liz Cameron with support from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau. Some of the most dynamic and brilliant minds in Scottish life sciences will attend the event, which takes place on October 27.

Applications are currently being accepted for four awards, sponsored by Nexxus, the West of Scotland BioScience Network. The awards, for which applications must be received by 28 September 2005, are:

*Nexxus Lifetime Achievement Award

*Nexxus Award for Innovation

*Nexxus Most Promising Young Life Science Company of the Year

*Nexxus Young Life Scientist of the Year

Professor Chris Packard, Chair of the Nexxus Steering Group, and Research and Development Lead Officer for North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:

'These awards are a great opportunity for the life sciences community throughout the West of Scotland to shine a light on the work that's being done here."

'There is an abundance of groundbreaking research and development taking place in the West of Scotland, and a lot of extremely innovative products and services originate here, so we're sure there will be some stiff competition for the awards.'

For more details contact Jan Clark on 0141 330 1987

First published: 5 September 2005