Nominations Open for BioFlorida's Annual Industry Awards
WEST PALM BEACH – Nominations are now open for BioFlorida’s three prestigious industry awards: the Weaver H. Gaines Leadership Award, the David J. Gury Company of the Year Award and the James E. King Legislator of the Year Award.
Named after the co-founding director and former chairman of BioFlorida, The Gaines Award is presented to an individual in the private or public sector who has made extraordinary contributions to the growth of Florida’s life sciences industry. David Day, vice president of technology transfer at the University of Florida, was last year’s winner.
The Gury Award honors a company that has achieved a significant technologic advancement or reached a major product development milestone. Last year’s recipient was RTI Biologics, an Alachua-based processor of orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants.
The King Award will be given to a legislator who has introduced, sponsored or endorsed significant legislation that has directly impacted the state’s life sciences sector. The award is a tribute to Sen. King, a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1986-1999, who subsequently represented the 8th District of the Florida Senate until he died of pancreatic cancer in 2009. Sen. Ken Pruitt, who represented the 28th District of the Florida Senate from 2000-2009, was honored with the award last year.
The deadline for nominations is August 31st and can be made online here.
Winners will be selected by a panel of industry leaders and approved by the BioFlorida Board of Directors. Awardees will be honored at BioFlorida’s 13th Annual Conference, scheduled for October 24 – 26 at the Marriott Harbor Beach in Ft. Lauderdale. More than 400 guests are expected at this year’s conference, and a total of 50 speakers will share their insights on the latest trends and issues in biomedical research and bioscience business. This year’s conference will also feature dedicated bioscience company presentations, investor panels and interactive workshops.
