Introduction
The Marine Biodiscovery Programme (MBP) was initiated to study marine organisms, their taxonomy, distribution, their complex chemical structures and adaptive mechanisms. The ocean is a major source of organisms with novel biological materials and unique metabolic mechanisms that will be a source of new materials and mechanisms in biotechnological applications. The MBP provides for the development of new science-intensive bio-products, drugs and other materials. The MBP will provide for a chemical extract and pure substance library cand an integrated data management system to maximise the discovery of novel high-value marine derived substances and materials.
Sea Change - A Marine Knowledge, Research & Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 presents a framework for developing and transforming the Irish maritime economy through science, research, innovation and management. The Discovery Research Measure of Sea Change identified Marine Biodiscovery/Biotechnology as a strategic sector for development in Ireland.
The Marine Institute funded a Proof of Concept study, for a marine biodiscovery research programme. As a consequence funding was leveraged through the Beaufort Awards by a number of research centres to begin the implementation of the Marine Biodiscovery Programme.
Elements of the Marine Biodiscovery Programme
