Many Perspectives on Biotechnology To Be Highlighted at BIO 2002
The following dignitaries will be highlighted at BIO 2002, which is expected to draw more than 14,000 industry leaders. The conference will feature six plenary events, and more than 150 sessions and symposiums, with 800 speakers covering 18 program tracks.
Carl B. Feldbaum. President of BIO since the organization’s founding in 1993, Feldbaum will discuss the role of the biotech community on the international stage.
John Davidson. The author of “Jesse’s Journey” walked 8,300 kilometers across Canada to support medical research and as a tribute to his son, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Juan Enriquez. Enriquez argues that biotechnology, alongside other technological advances, is becoming an essential determinant of economic success. His book is “As the Future Catches You: How Genomics and Other Forces Are Changing Your Life, Your Work, Your Investments, Your World.”
Dr. Bob Edgar. The general secretary of the National Council of Churches will discuss religious perspectives on biotechnology.
Thomas Von Essen. The former commissioner of the New York City Fire Department led the emergency response to the September 11 attacks and brings a special understanding of crisis management.
Dr. Patrick Moore. As a founding member of Greenpeace and former president of Greenpeace Canada, Moore believes that environmental issues need to be debated with accurate and reliable scientific data, not myths and misinformation. He will discuss how agricultural biotechnology can increase yields and help save the environment.
Jim Flaherty. As Ontario’s minister of enterprise, opportunity and innovation, Flaherty has a unique perspective on economic and technology development in Canada.
Iowa Gov. Thomas J. Vilsack. Vilsack is chairman of the Governors Biotechnology Partnership and a passionate advocate of biotechnology-based solutions and agricultural biotechnology.
Anne McLellan. Canada’s minister of health will discuss the role of biotechnology in the Canadian healthcare system.
Drs. Phil Sharp and Walter Gilbert. The Biotechnology Heritage Award will recognize these two Nobel laureates and founders of Biogen.
Dr. Benjamin Carson. The chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital has been awarded 24 honorary degrees and dozens of national citations of merit. He is the author of three best-selling books: “Gifted Hands,” “Think Big” and “The Big Picture.”
Dr. Lester Crawford. The deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) brings a unique perspective to BIO 2002 on a number of issues, including food safety.
Robert Carberry. The vice president of the Programs Branch of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will participate in a session discussing regulation and labeling of biotechnology-derived products.
BIO 2002 registration is complimentary for approved, credentialed media, and advance registration is encouraged. All freelancers must register in advance. To register, please visit www.bio.org. In order to ensure housing, reporters are urged to register as soon as possible. Advance registration ends May 24.
BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
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