Welcome back from what I hope, was a restful summer holiday. The LSBC team has been busy planning for a full calendar of events to bring together our members and greater Life Sciences ecosystem.
September will be focused on events to bring the community together, reconnect, network and celebrate the many accomplishments within our ecosystem. We begin with our
virtual Fall LSBC Networking event on September 10
th at 4.00 – 5.00pm (registration information can be found
here), followed by our
virtual LSBC Annual Awards Program Event on September 17
th at 2.00 - 3.30pm and then to wrap up September with our
AGM on September 24
th at 9.00am. Registration for our
AGM by
clicking on this link.
This year our virtual
LSBC Annual Awards Event, unusual given current circumstances, I’m certain will be a celebration that recognizes those who are worthy of their award not only for this year, but for all the years they have invested in life sciences in B.C. You can
buy tickets here or if you are an LSBC member, the event is free, just go online and register. I do hope you will be able to join us and cheer on our deserving award recipients!
As a reminder here are this year’s 22nd Annual Award Winners:
-
Dr. Aly Karsan - Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence
-
Dr. Poul Sorensen - Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research – Aubrey J. Tingle Prize
-
Nancy Harrison - Milton Wong Award for Leadership
-
Canary Medical Inc. - Medical/Digital Technology Company of the Year
-
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. - Deal of the Year
-
adMare BioInnovations Inc. - Strategic Life Sciences Partner of the Year
-
Chinook Therapeutics Inc.- Emerging Life Sciences Company of the Year
-
John Babcook - Dr. Don Rix Award for Lifetime Achievement
In November, we will be hosting virtually, our
Annual Investor Summit on Monday, November 2 & Tuesday, November 3, 2020. This event is always well attended and supported by our investment community not only here in B.C., but nationally. We are fertile ground for innovation and building strategic partnerships has been a hallmark of this annual event and I expect no difference this year. Details for applying to the Investor Summit Application process can be found
here.
In June, LifeSciences BC submitted to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services our recommendations for the 2021 Budget and Government Services consultations. In reference to our submission the Government has recommended they: “
Invest in health science research, including providing ongoing funding to Genome B.C., and support innovative, small and medium enterprises with business development to thrive in the commercial market.” And “
In recognition of the increased use and need of digital health during the pandemic, expand and accelerate investments in digital health infrastructure, such as telehealth…”. These are strong and positive recommendations for our sector's growth and indicate government is listening to our concerns with investment in our ecosystem part of the overall growth strategy for B.C. You can read the entire
report here.
I look forward seeing everyone this Fall season virtually or otherwise, and seeing our community interact and engage in these most unusual times.