ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2006 MichBio Expo today announced two of its keynote speakers for this year’s three-day conference. David E. Duncan and David Van Andel will provide the morning keynote addresses at the annual event.
David E. Duncan is an award-winning, best-selling author of six books and the co-host of NPR’s “Biotech Nation.” A contributing editor to Wired and Discover, a science columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and a commentator for NPR’s “Morning Edition,” Duncan’s most recent book is “Masterminds: Genius, DNA and the Quest to Rewrite Life” (Harper Perennial). He is a correspondent for NOVA’s “ScienceNow!” as well as a regular contributor to National Geographic, Fortune, MIT Technology Review and Life. Clark Hill PLC, a full-service Michigan law firm with offices in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Birmingham and Lansing, is generously underwriting Mr. Duncan’s appearance.
David Van Andel, the opening keynote, is the chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute (VAI), a Grand Rapids-based biomedical research facility focusing on the genetic and molecular origins of cancer and Parkinson disease. VAI and Van Andel have been key players in and strong advocates for developing the life science industry in West Michigan and throughout the state. Van Andel also serves as the chairman and CEO of Idea Sphere Inc., a supplier of natural and organic products and is the co-owner and chairman of the Grand Rapids Griffins, an International Hockey League team. The VAI is a featured Gold Sponsor of the MichBio Expo.
“Messrs. Duncan and Van Andel continue the MichBio tradition of presenting outstanding keynote speakers at our state-wide gatherings that inspire our business and entrepreneurial community,” said Dr. Stephen Rapundalo, the executive director of MichBio. “Our keynotes will bring to the podium a broad national perspective on the one hand, and a deep knowledge of the local life sciences industry on the other -- with a focus at the biotechnology, entrepreneurial and public policy levels.”
The MichBio Expo is October 10, 11 and 12 at the DeVos Conference Center in Grand Rapids. Agenda details and online registration for the event are available at http://www.MichBioExpo.com .
About the MichBio Expo
MichBio Expo, a dynamic three-day event for the Michigan Life Science community is being held on October 10, 11 & 12, 2006. The first day, held at the Van Andel Institute and the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, is an invitation-only career day for high school students, which will bring in a range of Life Science professionals to discuss topical issues and career tracks. The second day, located at DeVos Place convention center will feature tours and a series of educational seminars focused on life science companies. The third day, also located at the DeVos Place, will focus on attracting professionals from across the life sciences spectrum and at every stage of business development. More than just a conference or trade show, it consists of four components: a life science conference covering the latest developments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, government and academia in Michigan; an industry exposition with more than 50 of the area’s most exciting life science leaders in finance, research, government, and business; a research business plan competition for early life science companies; and exclusive business development meetings between emerging technology companies and pharmaceutical and medical device industry leaders in a private setting. The MichBio Expo is hosted by MichBio with sponsorship from Pfizer Global Research and Development, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Van Andel Institute, Asterand, Esperion, and Grand Valley State University.
About MichBio
MichBio is dedicated to driving life sciences industry growth within the State of Michigan. For new and established biosciences companies, MichBio provides a community focal point by offering networking and educational events, a roster of support services, and a portal to state and national information. MichBio represents biosciences companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers and related organizations. MichBio is focusing on the human resource, funding, and infrastructure issues affecting the state bioscience industry. MichBio is affiliated with BIO, the national organization that represents biotechnology companies across America. The knowledge based economy presents the state of Michigan with unprecedented economic opportunity; the MichBio Expo serves to act as a catalyst in bringing academic and industry leaders together for a briefing on the dynamics shaping life sciences.
Source: MichBio
