The Fourth Annual Southwest Virginia Life Science Forum on Monday, Oct. 4, will showcase the region's biotech companies' research and job opportunities, and be a resource for the ACC Interdisciplinary Forum for Discovery in Life Sciences. 

The Atlantic Coast Conference forum, Oct. 3-5, is offered as an opportunity for scientific exchange between ACC graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty members. The Life Science Forum Monday evening beginning at 6 p.m., will give the students an opportunity to learn about life science research, local companies, and possible collaborations and jobs. Both events are at the Inn at Virginia Tech.

The Life Science Forum, which is co-sponsored by Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Biotechnology Association (VaBIO), NewVa Corridor Technology Council (NCTC), MH2 Technology Law Group,, and Novozymes Biologicals Inc., is a venue for academic and corporate researchers to connect with industry leaders, network with potential partners, and learn about each other's work.

More than 100 academic and private sector bioscience leaders are expected to participate in the event. Poster presentations from 6 until 8 p.m. will include biotechnology and biomedical engineering applications. "Local scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn about current academic research in their fields and capitalize on Virginia Tech research," said Timothy Howland, College of Science associate director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Virginia Tech.

"We are encouraging the university's scientists and engineers to showcase their research, especially those with inventions that have been disclosed to Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties (VTIP)," said Steve Lockett, VTIP licensing associate.

“Collaboration of research and business opportunities is very important to the continued economic growth of life sciences in Virginia. We are pleased to extend the reach of collaboration opportunities this year to include scientists and academic leaders from the entire ACC area,” said Mark Herzog, executive director of VaBIO.

"The forum is a great opportunity for students who enjoy living in Southwest Virginia to speak with local companies about future employment and internship opportunities. It’s important that those competent in their technology field also be able to communicate. Events like this help create connections and foster dialog with peers and employers,” said NCTC Director Cory Donovan.

Advance registration is $10 for VaBIO or NCTC members and $15 for non-members. Student registration is free. Posters will be accepted as long as space is available and there is no charge. To learn more, register to present a poster, or register to attend, visit the VaBIO registration page.

Free parking is available at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. Find more parking information online or call (540) 231-3200.

Learn more about the ACC forum.

Contact:

Share this story