U.T. Dallas to Host ‘Bio Boot Camp’
Half-Day Seminar To Include Report About Local Life Science Initiatives
RICHARDSON, Texas (Jan. 30, 2002) – After nearly six months of study and interviews to determine the best way for North Texas to prepare for and launch a life sciences initiative, consultants with New Economy Strategies will present their findings as part of a half-day “Bio Boot Camp” at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).
The research, which was conducted with support from UTD, Collin County and the City of Richardson, will be presented from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7, in Room 1.112 of the UTD Conference Center. The event is free and open to the public.
“We want this to be a fast-paced learning experience and discussion about what North Texas needs to do to be competitive in the bioeconomy,” said UTD’s Vice President for Research and Graduate Education, Dr. Da Hsuan Feng. “Speakers will cover a wide variety of topics, from “Biotechnology 101,” which will delve into terms associated with the bioeconomy, to discussions about plans for North Texas and different regions around the country.”
Featured lecturers at the event will include:
Dr. Hwa A. Lim, author and chairperson/CEO of D’Trends, a consulting company specializing in bioinformatics, bioinformatics-related businesses, genomics, proteomics and microarray technologies. Lim, credited with coining the phrase “bioinformatics,” will address the basic scientific principles of biotechnology and will provide, in layman’s terms, the scientific, technological and research terminology, as well as healthcare impact as it relates to biotechnology.
Dr. Mary Walshok, associate vice chancellor for university extension at the University of California, San Diego, and co-founder of UCSD CONNECT, will discuss what steps were taken in San Diego and how that area continues to measure its performance in achieving critical mass as a life science technology cluster.
Richard Seline, principal and founder of New Economy Strategies, will discuss the 35 regions in the United States competing in the bioeconomy and will address the business and economic trends – globally and nationally – for the life sciences.
Tom Kowalski, president of the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute, the statewide industry and academic organization supporting the growth of the life science industry and economy for Texas, will discuss the Texas Road Map project, the 2002 Industry Index of Economic Findings and the Governor’s new Council on Science and Biotechnology and what these initiatives mean for North Texas.
The event will conclude with a presentation about the findings and recommendations of both the New Economy Strategies report and the North Texas Regional Life Sciences report.
For more information about the event or to register, please contact Beth Keithly at keithly@utdallas.edu.