Mr McConnell will promote Scotland's life sciences

There, he announced a �50m investment for medical research - the result of a new deal between Scottish Enterprise and an American pharmaceutical firm.

Mr McConnell will devote much of his visit to promoting Scotland's strengths in the life sciences sector.

He will tell firms and academics of Scotland's international reputation in science and discovery.

I am clear that life sciences will be a key building block of Scotland's future economic success First Minister Jack McConnell

The first minister said Philadelphia-based Wyeth Pharmaceuticals was investing �33m for the development of new drugs and treatments, while Scottish Enterprise was putting in up to �17.5m.

Four Scottish universities and four NHS boards will share in the funding.

At the New York Academy of Sciences, Mr McConnell will tell an audience of US Pharmaceutical companies and academics that Scotland is a world leader in cardiovascular, diabetes, oncology and reproductive medicine.

Economic success

He will say: "Scotland has a very proud life science and medical history. Beta blockers, MRI scanners and penicillin are among the many breakthroughs that Scotland has given the world.

"Scotland's international reputation has been built on science and discovery and I am clear that life sciences will be a key building block of Scotland's future economic success.

"This sector is a top priority for us. America readily associates Scotland with assets like a world-renowned financial services industry and some of the finest food and drink in the world.

"But life sciences is a real focus for this visit and it is increasingly being regarded as one of Scotland's strongest cards, and rightly so. I want to build on that this week and in the years ahead."