BioForward: Wisconsin gets high ranking in preparing the future bioscience workforce

Contact: Jennifer Christianson, Marketing Manager, BioForward,

jchristianson@bioforward.org, (608) 236-4693

ATLANTA, GA and MADISON, WI – Battelle, in cooperation with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Biotechnology Institute, released a report at the BIO International Convention analyzing bioscience education in middle and high schools across the United States.

While the data indicates that the US is not measuring up in life science education, Wisconsin was ranked as a Leader of the Pack. Wisconsin was one of only four states whose students ranked in the top quartile of states in four key bioscience and math indicators: average life science 8th grade National Assessment of Educational Progress (2005), percent of advanced placement biology students scoring 3 or higher (2008), percent of ACT tested students ready for college level biology (2008) and average indexed ACT –SAT math scores relative to the US (2008).

In addition to statistics, the Wisconsin report provides many examples of the innovative bioscience education activities going on in Wisconsin, including: Middle School Life Science Education in Environmental Health, the Summer Science Institute and the Wisconsin Teacher Enhancement Program.

“High quality bioscience education in middle and high schools is the foundation for the next generation biotechnology workforce,” said Laura Strong, President of the Board of Directors for BioForward, Wisconsin’s biotechnology association. “The results of this study support the strength of Wisconsin’s bioscience education while the key findings provide an opportunity to evaluate how Wisconsin can be even more competitive.”

For Battelle’s press release on the study: http://www.battelle.org/spotlight/5-18-09BioEd09.aspx

For a copy of the complete US report: http://www.bio.org/local/battelle2009/complete_battelle__bio_education_09_summary_report.pdf

For Wisconsin specific results: http://www.bio.org/local/battelle2009/WI_bio_09.pdf

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. For additional information: http://www.bio.org

About Battelle

Battelle is the world’s largest non-profit independent research and development organization, providing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Technology, and Health and Life Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $5.2 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For additional information: http://www.battelle.org

About the Biotechnology Institute

The Biotechnology Institute is as an independent, national nonprofit organization dedicated to education about the present and future impact of biotechnology. Its mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about biotechnology and its immense potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems. For additional information: http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/about/

About National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas. Assessments are conducted periodically in mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, and U.S. history. For additional information:

About the BIO International Convention

The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry.

About BioForward

BioForward is the member-driven state association that is the voice of Wisconsin’s biotechnology industry. We advocate actively on our members’ behalf to create investment and partnership opportunities, attract and retain the very best people, and support public policy that fosters their continued growth. We also provide member-support services that include networking opportunities through a variety of conferences and events, online resources and group purchasing programs. Our members include biotechnology companies of every kind, universities, non-profits, service providers, and state, regional and local government representatives. http://www.bioforward.org