You are currently viewing archive.bio.org. Head to our home page to check out our fresh new look!

MICHAEL J. FOX, HER MAJESTY QUEEN NOOR OF JORDAN AND SENATOR TED KENNEDY TOP LIST OF 2007 BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2007) -- Biotechnology industry leaders from around the world will hear from an exciting selection of world renowned keynote speakers during the 2007 BIO International Convention being held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from May 6-9.

Keynote speakers include founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Michael J. Fox, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, and U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy. Each speaker will provide insights on key biotechnology-related topics with respective addresses focusing on translating research into therapies, global health, and pressing public policy issues.

Rounding out the keynote sessions, on Wednesday, May 9, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood will moderate a luncheon panel titled “A Hopeful Future: Gaining the Edge with Biotechnology.” Panelists Virginia Postrel, Author, The Substance of Style, Dr. Phillip A. Sharp, Institute Professor, MIT, Dr. Robert S. Langer, Institute Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, and Craig C. Mello, Ph.D., Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, The Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, will discuss their vision for the future of biotechnology over the next 10 to 20 years.

“We are extremely excited to welcome this year’s slate of keynote speakers to our International Convention,” said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the producer of the International Convention. “Mr. Fox, Queen Noor, Senator Kennedy, and our Wednesday panelists bring a wide spectrum of knowledge and experience. Their comments will highlight the key focus areas of the convention, spotlighting the amazing progress occurring in the biotechnology industry as well as its endless future potential.”

Michael J. Fox, founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, is slated to deliver the keynote address on May 7, entitled “Driving the Development and Availability of Novel Therapies.” His speech will address the need for creative approaches to speed translation of the significant investments in research and discovery into meaningful, patient-relevant advances in human health, and explore strategies and solutions to "de-risk" investment in novel therapeutics for the biotechnology industry and academia alike.

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will deliver a keynote on Tuesday, May 8 titled “Biotechnology and Its Impact on Global Health.” Queen Noor’s speech will discuss her vision of the future for biotech, and highlight the role of biotechnology in alleviating hunger and providing healthcare to underserved populations. Please note, Her Majesty Queen Noor requests that her speech be closed to the media. BIO and Her Majesty Queen Noor appreciate your understanding.

The Honorable Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions,
will also speak on Monday, May 7. In his speech, the Senator is expected to address key policy issues facing the biotechnology industry including follow-on biologics, patient safety and the Prescription Drug User Fee Act which is up for reauthorization by Congress this year.

These keynote sessions will be among the more than 200 educational sessions during this year's International Convention. The Convention is the world’s largest gathering of constituents in the biotechnology industry. This year is expected to draw more than 20,000 leaders from across the industry, and more than 1,900 companies will be represented, reflecting every aspect of the biotechnology industry, including food and agriculture, industry and energy, drug development, and policy. The Convention will also house 200,000 square feet of exhibition space, featuring 60 pavilions from more than 70 different countries, states, companies and academic institutions.

This year’s BIO International Convention, themed “New Ideas. Bold Ventures. Global Benefits,” will feature a program packed with more than 200 educational sessions and over 1000 speakers focusing on the global aspects of biotechnology, including business development, global health, clinical research/clinical trials, policy, bioethics, devices and diagnostics, biopreparedness, intellectual property/legal, food and agriculture, and industrial and environmental issues. International seminars will spotlight national-level developments from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide. To view the full conference program, please visit www.bio2007.org/attendees/educational_sessions/index.html.

General registration for the BIO International Convention is now available at www.bio.org/registration/index.html. For more information about the global event for biotechnology, including housing and program updates, please visit the event homepage at www.bio2007.org.

Advance media registration for the BIO International Convention is now available online. Registration is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To register, please visit www.bio.org/media/index.html. Reporters and editors working full-time for print or broadcast news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Friday, April 27, 2007.

About BIO
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.

Upcoming BIO Events


BIO International Convention
May 6-9, 2007
Boston, MA

BIO VentureForum-East 2007
June 18-20, 2007
Montreal, Canada

BIO Mid-America VentureForum 2007
Sep. 24–26, 2007
Milwaukee, WI


###