A biotechnology "net working" group has been formed to open communication between those involved in biotech sciences. Membership is likely to include firms, academic researchers, related ser vice firms and financial institutions. BioConnect Ireland was formally introduced yesterday at Growcorp on the Citywest Business Park, Co Dublin, and described as an "informal networking organisation for individuals in biotechnology across disciplines". The need for such a body is given impetus by the Government initiative to spend more than £500 million (€635 million) on research on IT and biotech areas, says its chairwoman, Dr Ena Walsh.

It is also linked to the growing number of Irish biotech firms such as EiRX, Hibergen and Optigen.

"This model of industry-academic networking has proved successful in places like San Diego and Boston," Dr Walsh said yesterday. "There is no reason why it cannot work in Ireland." The group's email address is bioconnect@ireland.com