News

Call for Judges for Science Fair and BioGENEius Challenge

Each year, Virginia Bio recruits volunteer judges from the membership to attend the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair to select the top three winners in the field of biosciences. The time commitment is limited to a pre-event online review of the submissions to select the finalists and then a few hours onsite at the Fair to interview and select the final winners. Lunch is provided to all judges by the Fair. The process is extremely easy and, by all accounts, very rewarding. This years Fair is at ODU in Norfolk on April 13.

Volunteer judges are also needed for the Virginia BioGENEius Challenge. Students submit their projects in either the categories of biotechnology, agriculture or industrial/ environmental science. The judging for the challenge is done virtually. Judges will be sent applicant information, abstracts and posters by May 3, and results will be due back to Virginia Bio on May 10. Winners from the state challenge will go on to compete in the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge taking place during the BIO International Conference in San Diego, CA in June.

 

Please contact Caron Trumbo if interested in volunteering your time!

Recent News

05/22/2026

BIO Statement on Veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) in VirginiaPatrick J. Plues, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) legislation in Virginia: “BIO applauds Governor Spanberger’s decision to veto SB 271 and HB 483 — legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and imposed arbitrary price controls in Virginia. The Governor’s action recognized an important point: even well-intentioned healthcare policies must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences for patients, providers, employers, and Virginia’s innovation economy. “BIO is proud to represent biotechnology companies developing the next generation of life-changing medicines, including many in the Commonwealth. We believe policymakers play a critically important role in helping advance both patient access to treatments and the continued growth of the life sciences sector. “We look forward to working with the Governor’s Administration, the General Assembly, Virginia Bio and other stakeholders to advance practical, patient-centered policy solutions that improve affordability while preserving access to care and the innovation ecosystem patients depend on.”

Patrick J. Plues, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on the veto of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDAB) legislation in Virginia: “BIO applauds Governor Spanberger’s decision to veto SB 271 and HB 483 — legislation that would have established a Prescription

05/21/2026

Virginia Bio Applauds Governor Spanberger’s Veto of SB 271 and HB 483

The Virginia Biotechnology Association (Virginia Bio) today expressed strong support for Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to veto Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 483, legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Panel (PDAAP) in the Commonwealth. Virginia Bio and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce sent a joint letter to Governor Spanberger commending

05/21/2026

New Global Clinical Society to Bring Focused Ultrasound Into Mainstream Medicine

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation today announced the launch of the International Focused Ultrasound Society (IFUS), a new organization dedicated to advancing clinical practice and accelerating adoption of focused ultrasound – a revolutionary, noninvasive therapeutic technology. Established as a program of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, IFUS aggregates and expands the Foundation’s activities related to clinical implementation