Growing biomedical industry draws gathering of experts to Greenville
April 6, 2016
Some of the nation’s top researchers in biology-inspired engineering chose Greenville for their annual gathering thanks in large measure to the area’s thriving community of biomedical businesses, according to a key Clemson University professor.
About 200 researchers, educators, students and professionals will gather Thursday through Saturday at the Greenville Marriott for the Institute of Biological Engineering’s annual meeting.
“That the conference is coming to Greenville speaks volumes about the growing strength of the region’s biomedical industry,” Zhang said. “This conference is unique. We exchange ideas from the research lab, but we go beyond that. We also focus on how academia and local startups can work together.The conference will not only be a platform for researchers to show what they’ve been doing in the lab, but also could connect some Greenville startups to new customers, said Guigen Zhang, the associate chair for program development in Clemson’s bioengineering department.
“We talk about how industry can tap into local universities. That’s key for economic development. Universities create the talent that helps attract companies, and universities very often are a launching pad for entrepreneurs. That’s certainly been true for Clemson.”
One of the highlights comes Friday afternoon during a special session, “BioBusiness Nexus – ‘Entrepreneurship in Science.”
The panelists will include Naren Vyavahare, the Hunter Endowed Chair at Clemson; Michael Gara, Director of Healthcare Innovation at the Clemson University Bioengineering Innovation Campus; and Steve Johnson, CEO of CreatiVasc Medical Inc. and COO at Brookhaven Medical.
The institute’s annual conference has been to several cities from Tucson to Atlanta, but this year will be its first time in Greenville. Zhang, a professor of bioengineering and electrical and computer engineering, is the institute’s president-elect.
Martine LaBerge, chair of the bioengineering department at Clemson, said she hopes that those who attend the conference will find useful new ideas and enjoy Greenville.
“We look forward to a lively discussion that makes a positive impact on biology-inspired engineering,” she said. “This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Clemson’s translational research, entrepreneurial initiatives and our efforts to create jobs.”
LaBerge will give a talk Friday morning during the keynote session. The topic is “Endovascular Devices for Managing Atherosclerosis: Innovation and Translation.”
For more information, go to: http://www.ibe.org/ibe-events
About The Institute of Biological Engineering
For 21 years, the Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE), a professional society, has been supporting the community of scientists and engineers who are at the forefront of creating new linkages between biology and engineering and seeking far-reaching opportunities for connecting with people and developing designs and educational perspectives through biology-inspired engineering.
About Clemson University
Ranked No. 21 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit and a competitive drive to excel.
