SCBIO 2021 conference set for Feb. 16-17

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SCBIO’s 2021 life sciences conference, to be held Feb. 16-17, will address how South Carolina and the country can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The online event is theme “The Power of Us” and will feature national speakers on innovation, partnerships and human resources.

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, is the first announced speaker and will address how diversity, equality and inclusion are essential to collaboration and discovery. McMurry-Heath, a molecular immunologist, is the first Black graduate of Duke’s Medical Scientist Training Program and the founding director of the Aspen Institute’s health, biomedical science and society policy program.  

She will be joined by more than a dozen additional presenters and honorees at the annual conference, which will also feature a virtual exhibit hall showcasing life science businesses from across the country. Awards will be presented to the life science organization and individual of the year, and SCBIO CEO Sam Konduros will deliver a keynote address.

Conference registration is available online and free to employees of most SCBIO investors and supporters, according to a news release. Faculty and teachers can attend the conference for $25, while general admission tickets are $75. Limited virtual exhibit space and sponsorships are also available.

Industry leaders participating in the conference include Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Zeus, Ritedose Corp. and Rhythmlink. South Carolina’s research universities and major health care systems will also be represented.

“Life sciences is a major driver of South Carolina’s economy, and this conference’s growth is testament to the industry’s surging impact, reach and rapidly rising economic significance in our state and region,” Konduros said in the release. “Already accounting for thousands of highly skilled jobs in the Palmetto State, this sector has tremendous growth potential, and we’re excited to virtually showcase the top companies, research universities and leaders from across our state and country at SCBIO 2021.” 

SCBIO is an economic development organization focused on building and growing South Carolina’s $12 billion life sciences industry.