The Bibliotheca Alexandrina organized its Sixth International Biennial Conference, BioVisionAlexandria 2012, 22-25 April 2012, in Alexandria, Egypt.

      Currently the world, especially developing countries, is undergoing radical changes. Entire countries are being changed, visions of a better tomorrow are being shaped, and societies are transformed. The theme of BioVisionAlexandria 2012 Conference was "New Life Sciences: Linking Science to Society" which aimed at addressing the role science can play in achieving a fair, equal and just society, not just through scientific research but also policy adjustment.

      A vision for achieving health as a state of well-being, not just combating disease, is imperative especially for developing countries. Furthermore, human activities have taken a tremendous toll on the environment and have destroyed many elements of nature. Consequently, the impact this has on the quality of human life needs serious attention. Similarly, food and agriculture, especially with countries struggling to meet the first Millennium Development Goal of halving extreme hunger and poverty by the year 2015. Special emphasis will also be placed on those marginalized within society and what can the new life sciences do about that.

      At the conference, we aimed at gathering representatives and leaders in science, industry and society to identify and set the priorities needed to rebuild society and discuss how the policies of scientific research need to be revolutionized towards serving society, especially the less fortunate, and to transform the lives of those who truly need it. In general, to help society reach its full potential.