Remarkable achievements in human life science sector in BC recognized
VANCOUVER, April 15, 2015 /CNW/ - It always starts with a simple question in the life science value continuum; how do we create a better patient outcome? From within the entire life science sector the clinical work is driven by the most human of desires – to fix things and make things better for those who are plagued by disease, short or long-term illness, physical injury or disfigurement or natural maladies that impair the flow of life.
In British Columbia we are fortunate to have a vibrant and thriving life science biocluster that is marked not only by local and national accomplishments, but international recognition. We have a community of scientists, physicians, engineers, technologists, clinicians, researchers, thought provokers and gamblers, aka entrepreneurs that at the end of the day, have given their all to resolving the mysteries of disease states and physical maladies.
"Through the remarkable research and commitment demonstrated by the LifeSciences award recipients and the community as a whole, this work is improving the lives of patients throughout B.C., strengthening our health system and making substantial contributions to the international scientific community," said Health Minister Terry Lake.
At this year's 17th Annual LifeSciences BC Awards we are recognizing the hard work, dedication, discipline and dogged persistence that has set alight the curiosity of individuals and organizations that have made a difference.
Life Sciences Company of the Year – STEMCELL Technologies Inc. - Dr. Allen Eaves, Founder, President & CEO to accept award on behalf of STEMCELL http://www.stemcell.com/en/About-Us.aspx
Medical Technology Company of the Year – Kardium Inc. – Doug Goertzen, CEO, to accept award on behalf of Kardium http://kardium.com/
Growth Stage Company of the Year – Qu Biologics Inc. – Dr. Hal Gunn, Co-Founder and CEO, to accept award on behalf of Qu Biologics http://www.qubiologics.com/
Clinical Research Excellence Award – Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDs – Dr. Julio Montaner, Director, to accept award on behalf of British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDs http://www.cfenet.ubc.ca/
Genome British Columbia Award for Scientific Excellence – Dr. Mel Krajden, to receive award http://www.bccdc.ca/util/about/UBCCDC/People/Faculty/DrMelKrajden.htm
Dr. Milton Wong Award for Leadership – Dr. Pieter Cullis, to receive award http://lsi.ubc.ca/our-vision/directors-message/dr-pieter-cullis/
Corporate Partner/Advisor of the Year - Joseph Garcia, Partner, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP http://www.blakes.com/English/WhoWeAre/FindPerson/Pages/Profile.aspx?EmpID=106085
Dr. Don Rix Award for Lifetime Achievement - Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, Adjunct Clinical Professor, UBC, Associate Scientist, Michael Smith Genome Science Centre, BC Cancer Agency http://www.qubiologics.com/dr-simon-sutcliffe-joins-qu-biologics-in-the-role-of-chief-medical-officer/
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research - Aubrey J. Tingle Prize - Dr. Adeera Levin, Head Division of Nephrology, UBC, Executive Director BC Provincial Agency http://nephrology.medicine.ubc.ca/about/people/
"These awards celebrate excellence within our province." says Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services. "I am proud that B.C. is home to amazing people and incredible accomplishments, leading the future of science and technology."
Also to be recognized will be the Sanofi Biogenius Canada, BC high school science students who researched, designed and implemented a cutting edge biotechnology research project in four months. The science competition winners will be announced during the evening of the 17th Annual LifeSciences BC Awards Dinner.
The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the Vancouver Convention Centre beginning at 6.30 PM – 10.00 PM. In attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of the award winners will be Hon. Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education and Jim Greenwood President & CEO, BIO – USA (largest biotechnology organization in the world).
Paul Drohan, President & CEO of LifeSciences BC said, "This year's award winners are an extremely accomplished and dedicated group of individuals who have devoted their lives to the betterment of others. It's just remarkable when you think of the great efforts they have all pursued; to not only serve us here in B.C., but around the world. We need to think of life sciences innovation not as a cost, but for what it truly is; the Bio-economic contributor to B.C. that results in the betterment of health, both for the Province's economy and for British Columbians."
About LifeSciences BC
LifeSciences BC is a not-for-profit, non-government, industry association that supports and represents the life sciences community of British Columbia through leadership, facilitation of investment and partnering, advocacy, and promotion of our world-class science and industry.
Life sciences sectors, from biopharmaceuticals and medical technology, to digital health and medical devices, are integrated into our organization and all that we do, ensuring that no life sciences sector is working in isolation — and that all sectors come together in a comprehensive, complementary and coordinated fashion.
Throughout the year, LifeSciences BC undertakes numerous programs and projects in support of these sectors. These include public policy initiatives, facilitating linkages between global industry and our local organizations, raising the profile of our industry internationally and thus facilitating investment and global partnering opportunities, and helping nurture economic development in British Columbia through the life sciences industry.
SOURCE LifeSciences British Columbia
Susan Ogilvie, Manager, Communications & External Affairs, Email: [email protected], Office: 604-669-9909 EXT 106, Cell: 604-218-5188, Website: www.lifesciencesbc.ca
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