Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to Receive BIO International Award for Leadership Excellence

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Beattie Honored for Commitment to Biotech Development and Promotion in Queensland, Australia at 2008 BIO International Convention

Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to Receive BIO International Award for Leadership Excellence

Washington, DC | Posted on April 23rd, 2008

Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie will receive the 2008 Biotechnology Industry Organization's first-ever International Award for Leadership Excellence, for his strong commitment to the development and growth of the biotechnology industry in Queensland, Australia.

The award honors individuals who have demonstrated transformative leadership and advanced biotechnology within their community. The award will be presented to Former Premier Beattie at the 2008 BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology.

"Former Premier Beattie was selected as this year's honoree based on his significant work and contributions to help make Queensland an international biotechnology hub," said James C. Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. "Mr. Beattie has demonstrated a strong commitment to the industry and Queensland's growth."

"I am honored to receive this award from BIO, and would like to share this achievement with all of my colleagues in Queensland who have contributed to making the state an important player in the global life sciences community," said Peter Beattie, former Premier and Queensland's incoming Commissioner for the Americas. "I am thrilled at the exceptional achievements that we have made in Queensland since we established our goal of becoming a center for biotech excellence."

Since becoming Premier in 1998, Mr Beattie's Government invested over $600 million in the State's biotechnology industry, developing an innovative research culture with world-class infrastructure and leading researchers. This has been achieved through a coordinated strategy of partnering with business, universities and government leaders.

The state is home to many science institutions including the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Mater Medical Research Institute, Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Brain Institute, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Queensland's biotech industry is on track to achieving $4 billion in revenues and employing over 16,000 Queenslanders in an industry worth $20 billion by 2025, according to the Queensland Trade and Investment Office.

Registration for the 2008 BIO International Convention is complimentary for credentialed members of the news media. To register, please visit www.bio2008.org/mediaregistration. Reporters and editors working full-time for print, broadcast, and online news organizations may register onsite with valid media credentials. All freelancers, college and online publications are strongly encouraged to register in advance by Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

Registration for attendees is offered at an early-bird discounted rate until May 8, 2008. Online registration is available at www.bio2008.org/registration.

The BIO International Convention helps to support the association's programs and initiatives. BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation. For more information on the global event for biotechnology, including program, registration, and housing information, please visit www.bio2008.org.

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About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

Upcoming BIO Events
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BIO National Venture Conference
April 22-23, 2008
Boston, Mass.

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World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
April 27-30, 2008
Chicago, Ill.

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2008 BIO International Convention
June 17-20, 2008
San Diego, Calif.

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Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
Sept. 10-12, 2008
Vancouver, B.C., Canada