Applications for BIO award close soon

Applications for the Advancing BioBusiness Award, being piloted by drug company Merck Sharpe & Dohme (MSD) and not-for-profit networking organisation Advance, close on 25 January, 2007.

Two Australian scientists who have completed post-doctoral training and are conducting research in an institute or biotech company in Australia will be selected for the award. The prize includes business class air travel, accommodation and registration fees for the BIO conference in Boston in May. Recipients will also undertake an intensive program with access to leading scientists, managers, business leaders and finance providers involved in global commercialisation of life science research.

Each program will be specifically tailored, in consultation with the recipient, to reflect their particular research focus and commercial needs, in areas including research planning, IP management, manufacturing planning, regulatory affairs management and market forecasting.

The judges for the award are Dr Graeme Blackman, chairman and managing director of the Institute of Drug Technology Australia; Dr Anna Lavelle, CEO of AusBiotech; and Professor Graham Macdonald, external licensing coordinator for MSD Australia.

Application forms are available from www.msd-australia.com.au or www.advance.org