(March 12, 2009; Omaha, NE) – Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association announces the
inaugural Governor’s 2009 Bioscience Award to be presented by Governor Dave Heineman at
the association’s Annual Meeting. The award recognizes an individual who has made a
significant contribution to the bioscience industry in Nebraska. The Bio Nebraska Annual
Meeting will be held at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland on April 9, 2009,
beginning at 4:00 pm.

The award is one-of-a-kind piece of art commissioned by a Nebraska artist. For the
2009 Governor’s Bioscience Award, glass artist Tom Kreager was selected to design and create
the inaugural award. Kreager is the Steinhart Endowed Chair of Art at Hastings College in
Hastings, Nebraska, teaching glass art, sculpture and 3-dimensional design. In addition, he has
taught graduate classes at the Tokyo Glass Art Institute and his work has been exhibited
internationally. Kreager’s creation of the 2009 Bioscience Award will be from his Sanii series,
which features hand-blown glass spheres inside vases of various sizes and colors.

“It was an honor to represent the arts in Nebraska by being selected to create the
Governor’s 2009 Bioscience Award,” stated artist Tom Kreager. “Bio Nebraska is clearly
dedicated to propelling the life science industry in our state; original artwork is an excellent way
to recognize a leader from the Nebraska bioscience industry. I am pleased and proud to be a
part of this endeavor.”

“The contributions from the bioscience industry in Nebraska and across the globe are
truly remarkable. Many individuals in Nebraska complete exceptional work, and their talent and
experience continually attract businesses to Nebraska, enhancing our economic development,”
stated Bio Nebraska Executive Director, Amy Recker. “It is important to recognize our growing
bioscience industry since it will play a major role in the state’s economic future.”

Nominations are now being accepted; forms are available online. Any individual who
positively impacts the Nebraska bioscience industry through innovation, public policy,
investment, business creation or leadership is eligible for the award. The nominee is not
required to be a member of Bio Nebraska. Nomination forms are due by March 20, 2009.

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.

Upcoming Events
On March 17, Bio Nebraska will hold a Life Sciences Awareness Breakfast at the State Capitol from 8:30-
9:30 am. The Bio Nebraska Annual Meeting will be held April 9 at the Strategic Air and Space Museum.
May 18-21 Bio Nebraska will lead a state delegation to Atlanta to participate in BIO International 2009.
Nebraska Business Development Center is hosting the 11th Annual NIH SBIR/STTR conference in
Omaha June 30-July 1.