Biotechnology Industry Organization: BIO 2006 Academic Programs Guide Scientists from the Lab to the Medicine Cabinet

Contact Kim Coghill

www.bio.org

202-962-9200

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 16, 2006) – BIO 2006, the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) Annual International Convention April 9-12 in Chicago, will offer entrepreneurial researchers a nd licensing professionals a wealth of resources, opportunities and targeted programs in moving biotechnology from the laboratory to commercialization. The convention will take place at the McCormick Place Convention Center.

Among the highlights, for the second year BIO will host the Innovation Corridor Poster Session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 10 through Wednesday, April 12. The Innovation Corridor provides a unique opportunity for attendees to view new and on-going research aimed at solving problems and addressing unmet needs within the agricultural, environmental, and healthcare sectors of the biotechnology industry. Topics involve a variety of subjects such as cancer, infectious diseases, neurological diseases and drug discovery. A list of the posters can be viewed at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/poster/online/index.asp.

On Sunday, April 9 BIO’s Translational Research Forum will take place from 11:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This forum, titled “Solutions to the Challenge,” will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for the translation of research from the bench to the bedside. The program includes case studies of academic programs and academic-industry joint ventures that move discoveries to commercialized products. Information on the forum can be found at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/programs/trforum.asp.

The Chief Scientific Officer Boot Camp will also take place at BIO 2006. The boot camp is a comprehensive training course for academic investigators interested in creating a new venture around their work. Throughout this one and a half day program, experts will introduce academic investigato rs to entrepreneurial principles through modules and panels comprised of successful entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, research and development managers, attorneys, technology transfer and licensing professionals and entrepreneurship professors.

The boot camp runs from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Additional information on the boot camp can be found at http://www.bio.org/events/2006/programs/csocamp.asp.

For more information on the academic programs, visit http://www.bio.org/events/2006/agenda/.

To register, please visit http://www.bio.org/events/2006/reg/.

Advance media registration for BIO 2006 is now available online. R egistration is complimentary for credential members of the news media. Only reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers and online publications must register in advance by Friday, March 31, 2006.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.