PHOENIX--AZBio (Arizona BioIndustry Association) today announced the finalists for each of the association's annual awards, which will be presented at the 2009 AZBio Awards Dinner. Dr. Bruce Rittmann, director of the Biodesign Institute's Center for Environmental Biotechnology, is among the finalists for the Award for Research Excellence. Rittmann was selected for his significant contributions to using microbial systems to provide clean water and new renewable sources of energy.
Rittmann was honored this past year with the Simon W. Freese Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Environmental Water and Resource Institute, for his innovative work on using microorganisms to improve water quality. Especially noteworthy is the membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR), a technology now being commercialized to destroy a wide range of pollutants found in waters and wastewaters. Examples of special importance in the Southwest are perchlorate, nitrate, and trichloroethylene.
Rittmann is part of an ASU research team using two innovative approaches to renewable bioenergy: using anaerobic microbes to convert biomass to useful energy forms, such as methane, hydrogen, or electricity; and using photosynthetic bacteria or algae that can capture sunlight to produce new biomass that can be turned into liquid fuels, like biodiesel.
In addition, Biodesign executive director Dr. Alan Nelson will be among the featured speakers at the dinner along with Sharon Hesterlee, Senior Vice President & Executive Director of MDA Venture Philanthropy in Tucson, AZ. Nelson will provide an update on the new Biodesign Impact Accelerator, a venture to help foster and fast track university spin-out companies.
This largest annual gathering of Arizona's bioscience community will take place on Thursday, September 24th at the Arizona Grand Resort.
The award criteria and finalists are:
Award for Research Excellence
The life science researcher in Arizona who has made the most significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge and the understanding of biological processes, as measured by publications and/or professional acknowledgement of their work in either an academic or commercial setting. (Cited contributions may extend over several years.)
- Matthew J. Huentelman, Ph.D., Investigator, Neurogenomics Division, TGen
- Bruce Rittmann, Ph.D., Director, Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, ASU
- Donna Wolk, Ph.D., Director, Infectious Disease Research Core, BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona
Bioscience Company of the Year Award
The for-profit bioscience company whose Arizona-based operations did the most to transform the world during the last 12 months.
- Dedicated Clinical Research, Inc., Litchfield Park (Suzanne Bonanza, CEO)
- SenesTech, Inc., Flagstaff (Everett Hale, CEO)
- Ventana Medical Systems, a Member of the Roche Group, Oro Valley (Hany Massarany, CEO)
Fast Start Award
The most significant for-profit bioscience company headquartered in Arizona and founded on or after July 1, 2006.
- Applied Microarrays, Inc., Tempe (Alastair Malcolm, CEO)
- bioVidria, Inc., Tucson (Corey Smith, CEO)
- Kemeta, Inc., Mesa (Joan Vrtis, CEO)
Jon W. McGarity Leadership Award
The person in Arizona who provided the most outstanding leadership that contributed significantly to development of the State`s bioindustry and/or recognition of the advancement of bioscience in Arizona. (Cited contributions may extend over several years.)
- Michael Berens, Ph.D., Director, Cancer & Cell Biology Division, TGen
- Ron King, Ph.D., President & CSO, Catapult Bio
- Martin L. Shultz, Vice President, Government Affairs, Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
Public Service Award
The person in Arizona who is currently serving or has served in a publicly-elected capacity at a city, county, state or federal level and has demonstrated leadership that has contributed most significantly to the enhancement of the business climate for bioscience companies in the state. (Cited contributions may extend over several years.)
- Cecil P. Ash, District 18, Arizona House of Representatives
- Nancy K. Barto, District 7, Arizona House of Representatives
- Phil Gordon, Mayor, City of Phoenix
Bioscience Educator of the Year Award
The educator who, as a member of the faculty or administration of an educational institution, demonstrated the greatest leadership, creativity and/or actions to inspire students and encourage them in the biosciences. (Cited contributions may extend over several years.)
- Stacey Forsyth, Outreach Director, BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona
- Barbara Fransway, Outreach Coordinator & Research Specialist, Arizona Research Laboratories, The University of Arizona
- Vincent Pizziconi, Associate Professor, Arizona State University
The AZBio Awards Dinner, co-hosted by AZBio and Arizona CURE (Citizens United
for Research & Employment), brings together bioscience industry leaders,
entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and elected officials from across Arizona
to honor some of the individuals and companies that work to change the world
through bioscience innovation. More information about the 2009 AZBio Awards
Dinner, including speaker information, registration details and sponsorship
opportunities, can be found at http://www.azbio.org.
AZBio is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(6) trade association that seeks to unify,
empower and advance its member organizations, allowing them to benefit
individually by acting collectively. AZBio strives to enhance the environment
that makes Arizona a place where bioscience companies can grow and succeed.
AZBio is the state affiliate in Arizona for the Biotechnology Industry
Organization (BIO), the preeminent trade association for the biotechnology
industry in the United States.
Arizona CURE (Citizens United for Research and Employment) is a not-for profit
501(c)(3) grass-roots organization dedicated to educating the public about the
benefits of bioscience. A key economic development goal for Arizona is to become
a bioscience hub. Achieving that goal depends on the public`s understanding and
support. Arizona CURE is committed to providing educational opportunities to
generate that understanding and support. Arizona CURE - Promoting Bioscience to Improve and Save Lives.
Media Contacts:
Joe CaspermeyerMedia Relations Manager/Science Editor Biodesign Institute (480)-727-0369joseph.caspermeyer@asu.edu
AZBio
Bob EatonPresident & CEO602-495-2937bob@azbio.org
