University of Virginia to Participate in 2011 BIO International Convention

June 23, 2011 — University of Virginia biotechnology is about to find a larger audience – a lot larger.

The University is participating in the 2011 BIO International Convention: The Global Event for Biotechnology as an exhibitor and event sponsor. Being held June 27-30 in Washington, D.C., the event is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees.

According to the organizer, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the convention "is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry, offering networking and partnering opportunities with policymakers, scientists, CEOs and newsmakers, and hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations."

"The University of Virginia is particularly strong in biotechnology research, with our researchers developing new treatments, medical devices, imaging tools, research reagents and more," said Miette H. Michie, interim executive director and CEO of the U.Va. Patent Foundation, the University's technology transfer operation.

"The University is ready to commercialize these exciting discoveries, and we are aggressively seeking partners in industry, investors and economic professionals to help develop products that will make people's lives better."

Michie is available for "biopartnering" meetings through the BIO One-on-One Partnering system.

The University will exhibit as part of the Virginia Pavilion (Booth No. 3307, Hall B) in BIO's extensive exhibit hall in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. U.Va. will be joined by the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development in representing the Charlottesville area.

The pavilion, a first for the commonwealth, is being coordinated by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Other institutions exhibiting as part of the pavilion include Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, the College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School.

W. Mark Crowell, the University's executive director and associate vice president for innovation partnerships and commercialization, will lead BIO's inaugural Translational Research Forum, which "will explore the challenges and opportunities involved in translating innovative discoveries into usable products that can address some of the world's most pressing concerns."

The sold-out event, to be held June 27 from 1 to 5 p.m., will feature remarks from Crowell; Dr. Francis S. Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (who received a chemistry degree from the College of Arts & Sciences in 1970); Elias Caro, vice president for technology development at the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; and several additional experts in the field.

"U.Va. is a top-performing university nationally and internationally in its translational research and proof-of-concept capabilities," said Crowell, who also chairs BIO's Technology Transfer Committee. "With Dr. Collins keynoting, BIO's Translational Research Forum takes on a new level of prominence as a highlight of BIO's hugely successful international convention. We are delighted to be a university co-sponsor of the Translational Research Forum, and I am honored to chair the session."

Several U.Va. licensing and business development agents will be on hand throughout the convention and at the U.Va. exhibit. Companies or individuals wishing to schedule a partnering session or with specific inquiries can contact Crystal Ballif at crystal@uvapf.org or 434-924-2175 or view the University's technologies available for license.

To keep up with U.Va. throughout the conference, follow the U.Va. Patent Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About BIO

The Biotechnology Industry Organization represents more than 1,100 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 health care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.