U. S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's principal assistant for Acquisition, Dr. Kenneth Bertram spoke to bio-technology experts from the European Community during the Bio-Europe 2011 Conference in Milan, Italy March 15. Bertram discussed the work that MRMC is conducting in overseas labs as well as provided information about potential opportunities for partnership with MRMC.

In addition to traditional conference activities, the Bio Europe Conference provided MRMC the unique opportunity to connect with vendors and researchers beyond traditional U.S. biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies; thereby giving MRMC the ability to partner with new companies and the potential to produce new, life-saving capabilities.

While at Bio-Europe 2011, Bertram and the U. S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity commander Col. Russell Coleman also met with more than 20 company representatives for one-on-one meetings. These meetings allowed for more in-depth conversations and consideration of capabilities. Additionally, through other conference activities MRMC representatives made contact with more than 100 individuals from Biotechnology companies from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.