Bio Nebraska Partners with Nebraska EPSCoR and University of Nebraska on 5th Annual Research and Innovation Conference in Omaha

(September 21, 2009; Omaha, NE) – Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association, Nebraska EPSCoR and the University of Nebraska will host the 5th Annual Research and Innovation Conference on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the event concludes with a student research poster session at the end of the day.



This year’s morning plenary sessions will feature Elaine R. Mardis, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Genetics and Molecular Microbiology and Co-director of The Genome Center at Washington University and Washington University School of Medicine; Bradley A. Ozenberger, Ph.D., Program Director for The Cancer Genome Atlas and for Technology Development at the National Human Genome Research Institute and the National Institutes of Health; Gail Naughton, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board, Histogen, Inc., San Diego, California and Roger L. Geiger, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior Scientist in the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Penn State University.



Researchers will present exciting new developments in science and business throughout the afternoon in a mini-track format. Topics include: Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility, Advances in Cancer Biology in Nebraska, Center for Advanced Surgical Technology (CAST), Developing Innovation Through Public Policy, Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Drug Development and Partnerships for Innovation.



“Our goal is to increase the research and development competitiveness for Nebraska universities, as well as stimulate economic development of bio-related industry in Nebraska,” says Lyle Middendorf, Chairman of Nebraska EPSCoR/IDEA Committee and Executive Committee Member for the Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association. “Over the past five years, the conference has grown in support of this goal. We provide a venue for researchers and entrepreneurs to collaborate and learn how to address some of the challenges they face.” 



There is no cost to attend, and the deadline to register to attend the conference and to register a display or poster is Wednesday, September 25, 2009. For more information about the conference or Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association, please contact Amy Recker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 402-829-9011.




About Bio Nebraska


The mission of Bio Nebraska is to be the champion of biotechnology and to advocate for its member organizations promoting academic, industry and government partnerships to foster the growth of life sciences within Nebraska. Nebraska biotechnology researchers expand the boundaries of science to benefit mankind by providing better healthcare, enhanced agriculture and a cleaner and safer environment, creating opportunities for economic development within the state.