BIO Alabama, the leading advocate for Alabama’s bioeconomy, today announced the keynote speakers and lineup for the organization’s virtual annual conference scheduled this fall, October 5-9, 2020. While the look and feel of large gatherings is much different this year, one thing is certain - BIO Alabama is preparing a conference designed to INSPIRE, EDUCATE, and CONNECT our State’s researchers, scientists, startups, manufacturers, small, medium and large bioscience companies, investors, students, and economic developers.  

During this conference, BIO Alabama will amplify the innovative work of its members, partners, and the broader Alabama bioscience community. Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from industry thought leaders who will discuss various topics including, but not limited to, responses to COVID-19, diversity, equity, and inclusion, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, precision and genomics medicine, bioagriculture, nanotechnology, funding, and economic development. 

The current roster of speakers participating in BIO Alabama’s virtual annual conference includes the following keynote speakers:

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath: A medical doctor and molecular immunologist by training, Dr. McMurry-Heath becomes just the third chief executive to steward the world’s largest biotechnology advocacy group, BIO - Biotechnology Innovation Organization, since its founding in 1993. The common thread in McMurry-Heath’s work across academia, government and industry has been her focus on broadening access to scientific progress so more patients from diverse backgrounds can benefit from cutting-edge innovation. Driven by her own past family experiences navigating clinical trials and funding uncertainties within the rare disease community, McMurry-Heath calls “the distribution of scientific progress the social justice issue of our age.” She is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote address on Monday, October 5 at 12:30 p.m. CST.

Bob Hess: As Vice Chairman of Global Corporate Services at Newmark Knight Frank, Hess is a preeminent, sought-after service provider and respected leader in corporate location strategy and site selection. He has demonstrable and referenceable life sciences and biotechnology industry experience, inclusive of R&D, Manufacturing and Fill Finish asset types. He has conducted over 275 assignments in North America and globally, including Asia, Europe, and Mexico. Hess is scheduled to speak Wednesday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. CST with a focus on bioscience economic development.

Dr. Regina Benjamin: A leader in preventative medicine, fighting health disparities, and developing innovative community-based health strategies and systems for low-income and rural communities, Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, is best known for her service as U.S. Surgeon General from 2009-2013. Dr. Benjamin’s notable career has spanned leadership roles in government, higher education, research, and healthcare and honors ranging from being the first African American woman on the board of the American Medical Association to the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights. Dr. Benjamin is scheduled to speak Thursday, October 8 at 12:45 p.m. CST delivering the closing keynote address. 

Additional speakers, organizations, as well as sponsors, will be announced during the next several weeks. Up-to-date information on the agenda and thought leaders presenting can be found on the conference website. Event registration will open soon.