About Us | Press Releases | 2005 | April 29
FIRST BEST PRACTICES AWARDS PRESENTED AT OUR ANNUAL EVENT TO PEOPLE AND COMPANIES WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE RESULTED IN PRODUCT INNOVATION, GROWTH LEADERSHIP AND FUNDING IN BIO IT
The two opposing sides of the race to complete the monumental task of sequencing the human genome were awarded with BIO IT Coalition Best Practices Awards on Tuesday, April 26, at the Coalition's 4 th Annual Event, Sequencing the Genome: Creating an Industry and a Workforce , held on GMU's Fairfax campus. Celera Genomics Group was awarded for "its imagination, innovation and intelligent risk taking in the application of IT in the life Sciences which has led to the most dramatic progress in the advancement of BIO IT through its own development and its influence on the industry," said Steve Mandell , chairman of the Coalition and a Partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP. Celera was originally founded on the notion of the ability to create a subscription source of genetic information, but Celera just announced (April 27, 2005) another major change in its method of operation and has donated much of its work to the National Human Genome Research Institute, in order to make the information more available to scientists who will use this information to develop helpful therapies for the betterment of human health.
Dr. Francis Collins , Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the NIH, was awarded with the BIO IT Visionary of the year prize by the Coalition. He shepherded the Human Genome Project (HGP) through many of its major goals. One of the highest was the 2003 completion of the fully sequenced human genome-completed under-budget and ahead of schedule. "His knowledge, leadership and energy have helped the BIO IT industry gain recognition in the region and around the world," said Steve Mandell. Dr. Collins also gets the (imaginary) BIO IT good sport award for sitting through a two hour play with his words pouring out of the mouth of an excellent actor, Frank Robinson, Jr ., in Paul Mullins play, The Sequence , while sitting about 5 feet from the actor. Dr. Collins called it "kind of like taking a public bath." But he was gracious enough to join the playwright and cast after the play was over to answer the probing questions of an enthusiastic audience.
The Best Life Science Application of IT prize, based upon measurable productivity and clarity of scientific communication was t he Remote Data Relay (RDR) System, a product of the SENTEL Corporation. This is a sensor networking device which wirelessly connects up to 400 disparate sensors, including chemical and biological agent sensors, to detect and analyze the presence of harmful pathogens. This system is used in biodefense by the U.S. Government. Mr. James Garrett , President of SENTEL accepted the award for SENTEL and he praised the Federal and commercial partnerships developed along the way which helped SENTEL solve highly complex problems, such as the collection and analysis of highly dangerous materials in a remote way.
Dr. Wei Wu He , partner and co-founder of Emerging Technology Partners has done much to support individuals and companies whose innovative ideas have resulted in advances in BIO IT business for the betterment of society. Dr. He has been involved with life science and biotech companies as an employee and a financial partner throughout his career. Many companies have benefited from his knowledge of business and bio and from his smart application of monetary assistance. Dr. Meena Augustus , Co-Founder of Avalon Pharmaceuticals, who was in the audience as Dr. He received his award said, "He helped my company. He's very perceptive and helpful and wants new companies and innovations in IT for the life sciences to thrive. Good choice!"
The event highlighted the race to clarify and publish the map of the human genome with discussions of current education and workforce availability and a witty and informative play, The Sequence , written by Paul Mullin with a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, about the heady and interesting times leading to the map of the human genome-a way to learn more about the genetic roots of disease and how to turn knowledge into cures and treatments to better human health.
Arlington County Department of Economic Development, George Mason University, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Sutton Partners were the major sponsors of the event. The Coalition is a non-profit organization which bridges the life sciences and information technology industries through interactive, content driven events that highlight innovation, investment, collaboration and partnership to build the Bio It industry . For more information about the Coalition and its monthly programs and more, visit www.bioitcoalition.org.
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