 "Let us learn well from our past, let us build well in our present, but be careful that what we build, we build for our future. It is all about the future."
- Karimah Es Sabar, 2010 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards
Hector MacKay-Dunn, QC, Senior Partner, Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP presents Don Avison with the Leadership Award.
The 2010 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards Gala took place on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, drawing nearly 600 biopharmaceutical, medical device, bioproducts, bioenergy and greater life sciences community and public policy leaders. The theme of this year's event was ‘Bridges to the Future,’ recognizing individuals that have brought new knowledge, leadership, innovation and technologies to the life sciences industry in BC.
The LifeSciences British Columbia Awards are presented by:
Read full summary
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LifeSciences BC News
LifeSciences BC Congratulates Taneille Johnson for Taking the First-Place Prize in the 2010 sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge
The Regional Competition for the 2010 sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC) took place on April 12, 2010 at BCIT and was won by Fort St. John resident, Taneille Johnson. This bright grade 12 student won a $3000 cash prize and will travel to Ottawa to compete in the national SABC competition on April 26 where she will be judged by a panel of experts at the National Research Council. The national winners will be announced at a ceremony in Ottawa on April 27.
Encouraged by teacher Ms. Barbara Cook and under the guidance of Dr. Tara Beattie, Taneille examined functional interactions within telomerase complexes to gain an understanding of how these mutations lead to telomere and telomerase deficiency in patients with dyskeratosis congenita.
LifeSciences BC is proud to be the lead organizer for SABC in the BC region, one of 13 across Canada.
The sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge is sponsored by sanofi pasteur, sanofi-aventis and BioTalent Canada.
Jason Locklin, Deputy Director of Government Relations, sanofi pasteur and Linda Lupini, Board Member of BioTalent Canada present Taneille Johnson with the first-place prize at the 2010 LifeSciences BC Awards Gala.
Read Press Release
View 2010 SABC Video
For more information or to become a project mentor for next year's competition, please contact:
Rosine Hage-Moussa
Regional Coordinator, SABC (BC Region)
rhagemoussa@lifesciencesbc.ca
604-602-5228
Karimah Es Sabar, Past President of LifeSciences BC Short-Listed for 2010 PEAK Award in Knowledge & Leadership
The short-listed nominees for the 2010 PEAK Awards have been announced and we are pleased to congratulate Karimah Es Sabar, Past President of LifeSciences BC on being amongst this impressive group of individuals. The PEAK Awards are held annually by the Association of Women in Finance (AWF) to honour and celebrate women who have achieved excellence in the field of finance. Nominated for her role in fostering economic development in the province through our life sciences sector, Karimah has played a key role in facilitating international investment and partnership for BC companies and research institutions.
We invite and encourage all members of our life sciences community to come out to the PEAK Awards Gala Wednesday, May 5th to support Karimah. For tickets and further information on the AWF and 2010 PEAK Awards, please visit www.womeninfinance.ca
National Biorefinery Knowledge Network Launched
This past July, LifeSciences BC organized an industry-government meeting at the World Congress in Montreal to discuss the formation of a Canadian Knowledge Network on Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. This initiative was one of the recommendations from the 2009 LifeSciences BC report on Technology Transfer and Linkages in Bioproducts and Bioenergy with the National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program.
We are now pleased to announce the launch of Canada’s Biorefinery Knowledge Network through our ACCORD partner BIOTECanada with support from Industry Canada. We encourage our members to join the National Biorefinery Knowledge Network via the following website: www.biorefinery.ca.
This portal is network for practitioners in biorefining, from government, academia and the private sector. The goal of the Network is to promote collaboration and growth in this dynamic field within Canada and, specifically, to continue to promote and support the building of biofuel demonstration facilities.
initiative.
LifeSciences BC Welcomes International Delegates of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development & Climate: 7th Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Task Force
LifeSciences BC was pleased to host a Welcome Reception in Vancouver on March 21, 2010 for the international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development & Climate: 7th Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Task Force from Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, and U.S. prior to the GLOBE conference.
Bob Ingratta, BioEnergy & BioProducts Sector Specialist, LifeSciences BC, welcomed over 45 guests and noted that LifeSciences BC is committed to foster the development of our Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts Sector and the BioCleantech solutions created from this sector to help address Climate Change; drive economic development and provide a sustainable future for our children. Recent estimates are that B.C. generates over $2.0 billion in revenues and over 18,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector. Globally, this important sector is expected to double by 2020.
The Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development recognized the importance of the Bioenergy and renewable energy sector; welcomed the delegates on behalf of the provincial government; and shared the strategic importance of clean energy to address climate change.
Joanne McKenna, from BC Hydro, shared BC Hydro distributed energy strategy, projects, and future plans in British Columbia.
The welcome reception in partnership with Environment Canada, Industry Canada, and the provincial government provided an opportunity for local companies and our research community to strengthen international partnerships and future collaboration.
The Honourable Moira Stilwell welcomes international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development & Climate.
SDTC Launches 2010 Cleantech Report
LifeSciences BC is one of the supporters of this report which aims to make a contribution to building a globally-competitive Canadian clean technology industry.
This report, launched at Globe 2010 this past March by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and Russell Mitchell Group, is Canada's first comprehensive national report on the cleantech sector. Based on input from over 160 cleantech companies, the 2010 SDTC Cleantech Growth & Go-to-Market Report found that the cleantech sector is on the cusp of being the green engine driving Canada’s economic growth.
Click here to read the full article and link to the report
2010 BC Excels Rounding Final Turn Six
Another extensive BC Excels program is nearing completion with just one more module to complete before the program culminates with participants being recognized at the Annual LifeSciences BC Salmon BBQ on June 9, 2010.
BC Excels is a comprehensive, eight month education and mentorship curriculum that provides novice life science entrepreneurs exposure to industry expertise and mentorship from seasoned business leaders. Program content varies year-to-year, but the historical core of the program has typically addressed topics including Intellectual Property, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Reimbursement and Strategic Affairs.
Managed by LifeSciences BC and running from October to June, Excels is in its 5th year and has graduated many of the professionals and companies now leading the local life science sector. "The BC Excels program was absolutely invaluable for [LightIntegra’s] company strategy. In addition, the organized events as well as the personal interactions introduced LightIntegra to a wide network of people in the business community in Vancouver" noted Elisabeth Maurer, former BC Excels participant and President & CTO of the promising medical imaging start-up LightIntegra Technology. Current BC Excels participant and Aegis Medical President Trevor McCaw also acknowledged how “BC Excels has afforded Aegis value perspective on issues we are currently facing. With so much change ongoing in the regulatory and reimbursement landscape, it’s a significant benefit to be able to leverage and learn from those who have been, or still find themselves, on both sides of the issue”.
Benefits of the BC Excels program extend beyond participants to the Mentors as well. Describing his experience as a first time BC Excels mentor, co-founder of Angiotech Pharmaceuticals and ID Biomedical Mr. Mark Godsy remarked how “partaking in the dynamic discussions surrounding the issues facing young companies has been a tremendously rewarding experience, not only for me but clearly for the other mentors and corporate participants as well.”
A formal call for new BC Excels candidates will be opened in late May for the class starting in October of 2010. In the meantime, if you have an interest or any questions, please contact Brendan Payne, Biomedical Sector Manager at bpayne@lifesciencesbc.ca.
Click here to read all the latest news from BC's life science industry and LSBC member press releases 
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LifeSciences BC at BIO 2010, Chicago, IL - May 3 - 6, 2010
LifeSciences BC is pleased to announce that the British Columbia delegation at BIO 2010 will be led by The Honourable, Dr. Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. Visit the Canadian Pavilion on Tuesday, May 4 at 10:30 am where she will open the Pavilion along with the Premiers and Ministers of the other Canadian provinces.
Read on to find out what activities LifeSciences BC is taking part in including hosting our annual Team BC Dinner hosted by Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP and Merck.
More Information
View Highlights from BIO 2009
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Upcoming LifeSciences BC Events
LifeSciences BC Breakfast Speaking Series Featuring Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland - April 30, 2010
Creating a ‘Smart State’ Where Biomedical and Alternative Energy Innovation Can Flourish
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: Pan Pacific Hotel - Crystall Ballroom A
LifeSciences BC is pleased to welcome dignitaries from the Australian State of Queensland to share their experiences, vision and plan in transforming Queensland into a ‘Smart State’, and a leading life sciences and alternative energy research and development centre.
More information
The LifeSciences BC Breakfast Speaking Series is generously sponsored by:
LifeSciences BC Industry Roundtable: Navigating the US Reimbursement Landscape - May 4, 2010
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
This engaging industry roundtable event will be an interactive session during which Dr. Jon Freudman will discuss the US reimbursement landscape, hurdles a new technology is likely to encounter prior to reimbursement, billing codes and payment methodologies - in the medical office, surgery center and hospital, design of clinical trials - from a payer perspective, approaching Medicare and the private insurers, and much more.
More information
Biotech 101 - Biotechnology and Beyond: Introduction to the Life Sciences Industry - May 12 - 13, 2010
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: LifeSciences BC, 900-1188 West Georgia Street
Once again, LifeSciences BC is pleased to offer this introductory course on the life sciences industry. Taught by Dr. Paul Barran twice per year, this popular two-day course provides a comprehensive overview of the basic principles, technologies, and applications of biotechnology in the life sciences.
More Information
14th Annual Salmon BBQ - June 9, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Cecil Green Park House, University of British Columbia
One of our most popular events, the salmon barbeque offers members of our life sciences community the chance to gather for an informal summer dinner and enjoy panoramic views of the Straight of Georgia and the mountains of Howe Sound.
More information
Click here to view all local and international life sciences events
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Industry News
Government of Canada Invests in Research Excellence at University of British Columbia and Across the Province
Thanks to an increased investment by the Government of Canada in the Canada Research Chairs program, Canada will strengthen its position as a world leader in university research and development, which will lead to greater economic opportunities for Canadians. Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, today announced the Government of Canada is investing $23 million to support 28 Canada Research Chairs in British Columbia... Read full article
LifeSciences BC Congratulates Recipients of the 2010 BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Awards!
LifeSciences BC is pleased to congratulate BC companies OncoGenex Technologies Inc. and iCo Therapeutics Inc., on winning 2010 Gold Leaf Awards.
OncoGenex takes the Company of the Year Award while iCo Therapeutics is being awarded for Early Stage Company of the Year: Health.
Other Gold Leaf Awards recipients are:
Industry Leadership Award:
Dr. Murray McLaughlin, Sustainable Chemistry Alliance
Early Stage Company of the Year: Industrial and Agriculture
CO2 Solution Inc.
Contribution to the Association:
Dr. Karen Burke (Amgen) & Mr. James Willoughby (Hoffman LaRoche)
This year's winners are recognized for having demonstrated innovation and determination in achieving their milestones despite the economic downturn.
The recipients will be honoured at the BIO International Convention in Chicago on May 4th at 4:30 pm in the Canada Pavilion. Please join LifeSciences BC in congratulating all of this year’s awards recipients. Please click here for more information on the BIOTECanada Gold Leaf Awards or contact kira.pejemsky@biotech.ca
Searching for the Next Research in Motion: U.S. Venture Capital Returns to Canada as Government Moves to Drop Tax Barrier
By Liana B. Baker, MarketWatch
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- After some lean times, venture capital is trickling back into Canada from the U.S., and that pace could quicken thanks to a new piece of tax reform proposed in Canada's annual budget. Click here to read the full article.
Click here to read all the latest news from BC's life science industry and LSBC member press releases
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Upcoming Industry Events
Starting and Managing a Company in Troubled Times: Tips and Tricks to Survive and Thrive in the Current Environment
Join Gowlings on April 28, 2010 as they discuss solutions to managing a business in the current econimic climate. Topics include:
- Challenges of financing and structure for start-up companies
- Cost-effective protection of intellectual property
- Surviving an intellectual property audit
- Pharma litigation
Click here for more information and registration
Genomics Forum 2010 — "The Future of Genomics"
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Genome BC is pleased to invite BC's life sciences community to attend our 8th annual Genomics Forum!
This is your opportunity to learn more about the scope, scale and progress of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics research in BC. This one-day scientific forum brings together researchers from BC's life sciences sector to share information and discuss opportunities for future collaborations.
Click here for more information
Why Register for the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run?
The Fun Run is the largest timed 5K race in BC and is one of the technology industry's largest fundraising events. All proceeds from the run go towards The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment, which assists in the advancement of Science Fair programs throughout BC and the encouragement of youth to actively participate in science and technology. Families can meet student science fair participants, view science fair projects, pick up free giveaways from run sponsors and participate in the day's activities while learning how much fun science is.
Now you can follow updates on the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run on Twitter or join the Facebook group.
13th Annual Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences (CSPS) Annual Meeting and Exhibition
Every year the CSPS hosts its Annual Meeting and Exhibition, one of the largest gatherings of Canadian Pharmaceutial Scientists in the world. In the past few years, the CSPS Symposium has attracted 150-300 attendees from academia, pharmaceutical and biotech industry and the government, including Health Canada. The 2010 meeting will be held in conjunction with the 67th Annual Meeting of the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC).
Conference website
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