Georgia to host conference in 2009

Jonathan Goolsby, marketing outreach specialist with Georgia’s Life Science Innovation Center (LSIC) and Dr. Charles Nawrot, vice president for Technology Transfer and Economic Development at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) recently represented the LSIC at the 2008 BIO International Conference in San Diego, California. The conference, produced by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), is the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry and attracts over 20,000 attendees each year.

“The conference is a wonderful opportunity to promote Georgia in the industry of life sciences while networking with start-up biotechnology companies that are looking to relocate,” said Goolsby. “The LSIC can offer start-up companies a variety of services ranging from state-of-the art incubator facilities, wet lab space, office space, as well as assistance with funding through SBIR and STTR and matching research grants.”

Georgia’s delegation of approximately 125 members included Governor Sonny Perdue and representatives from the LSIC, MCG, Emory University, The University of Georgia (UGA), Georgia Tech and The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among others.

Georgia’s strong presence at the BIO conference indicates the growing importance biotechnology has in the state. In fact, Georgia will host the prestigious conference next spring, May 17-20. The Georgia delegation gave this year’s conference attendees a preview by sponsoring the opening party on the USS Midway.

“We are really looking forward to hosting the BIO conference in 2009,” said Goolsby. “I can’t think of a better way to promote Georgia and highlight one of its fastest growing industries – biotechnology.”

About the LSIC The Life Sciences Innovation Center, located on the campus of The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, assists existing and start-up bio-tech companies in growing through support services including technology transfer, access to MCG, business development services and fully-equipped business incubators. To learn more about the Life Sciences Innovation Center visit lifesciences.georgiainnovation.org.

#