BIO Launches Award for Outstanding Biotech Innovator
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced yesterday the creation of the Biotech Humanitarian Award. An individual in the field of biotechnology who has “enhanced the human experience by harnessing the power of biotechnology to heal, feed or fuel the planet†will receive the award.
“This award celebrates the accomplishments of the real-life heroes behind the science of biotechnologyâ€, said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. “So many people become involved in biotechnology because they want to help others, by working to discover a cure for a rare or serious disease or to address challenges as diverse as global warming and agricultural sustainability.â€
The inaugural award and a prize of $10,000 will be presented in May at the annual BIO International Convention, and the five finalists will also be recognized. Nominations are open to individuals and can be accessed via iambiotech.org. Nominees must have achieved one of the following: produced new applications, significantly advanced biotech applications or made available tangible, applicable results in the food and agriculture, industrial and environmental, or therapeutic sectors.
Qualified nominees for the award will be professionals in the biotechnology field including scientists, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, financiers, philanthropists, educators, advocates and others who have added value to society through their pursuit of biotechnology processes.
“Through the Biotech Humanitarian Award, our innovative industry will recognize the top contributions that have improved contemporary society,†said Dr. Joshua Boger, Chairman of BIO’s Board of Directors and President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
