Juno Co-Founder & Director Richard Klausner, M.D., To Keynote Governor’s Life Sciences Summit & Annual Meeting

Dr. Klausner, former director of the National Cancer Institute and a renowned leader in cancer research and innovation, joins Gov. Jay Inslee and Life Science Washington President & CEO Leslie Alexandre

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Life Science Washington, the state’s life science trade association, announced today that Richard Klausner, M.D., co-founder and director of Juno Therapeutics and Grail Bio and former director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), will keynote the Governor’s Life Sciences Summit & Annual Meeting, Oct. 28 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash.

“I am delighted to return to the Pacific Northwest to speak to an audience that will include so many old friends and colleagues”

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Klausner as our keynote speaker this year,” said Life Science Washington President & CEO Leslie M. Alexandre, DrPH. “Having worked under his leadership at the NCI, I have personally witnessed the scientific talent, creativity and passion he brings to solving some of the world’s most complex health challenges.”

From directing the NCI to leading Global Health for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and serving on the boards of several health care and biotechnology companies, Dr. Klausner has been an integral part of Washington’s life science community.

“I am delighted to return to the Pacific Northwest to speak to an audience that will include so many old friends and colleagues,” said Dr. Klausner. “Washington state is recognized worldwide for discovering and developing powerful new diagnostics and therapies for cancer, as well as other life-threatening diseases and conditions. Moreover, it continues to build a solid leadership position at the intersection of life sciences and global health.”

The Governor’s Life Sciences Summit & Annual Meeting brings together more than 600 leaders from Washington’s life sciences community to celebrate industry successes, discuss key challenges and look forward to the future of the sector.

The meeting kicks off at 8 a.m. Attendees will be addressed by Gov. Jay Inslee, Dr. Klausner and Dr. Alexandre, who was appointed President & CEO of Life Science Washington June 2016. Life Science Washington will host a legislative roundtable and release its Annual Economic Impact of Life Sciences report during the morning program.

More information, including how to sponsor or participate in this year’s event can be found here.

About Life Science Washington

Life Science Washington is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association whose mission is to support and grow Washington state life sciences through advocacy, collaboration and investment. Serving nearly 700 members, Life Science Washington brings together research institutions, investors and innovators to grow the state’s life science economy. More information can be found at www.lifesciencewa.org.