AZBio Announces Recipients of 2009 Awards
Companies, Institutions and Individuals Across the State are Recognized
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AZBio (Arizona BioIndustry Association) announced the winner of the association’s annual awards, which were presented at the 2009 AZBio Awards Dinner, the largest annual gathering of Arizona’s bioscience community, on Thursday, September 24th at the Arizona Grand Resort.
The award recipients are:
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.
Ventana Medical Systems, a Member of the Roche Group, Oro Valley (Hany Massarany, CEO) – The continued passion of Ventana’s people to deliver more insightful diagnostic tests that determine the right therapy for the right patient is the driving force behind their innovation and their refusal to rest on their laurels. Employing nearly 1,200 scientists, pathologists, marketing specialists, customer care experts, field technicians, and manufacturing personnel, the company is now a global leader in tissue diagnostics.
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) – Since starting operations in 2007, AMI has grown quarter-over-quarter, even in the current economy. Over 95% of AMI’s sales are from outside Arizona, with over 50% from outside the U.S. Two publicly traded companies have agreed to outsource their entire microarray operations from other states to Applied Microarrays, bringing an added boost not only to AMI, but to Arizona’s economy as well.
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.
Martin L. Shultz, Vice President, Government Affairs, Pinnacle West Capital Corp. – The biosciences in Arizona have flourished during Marty’s tenure as Chairman of Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee. Since 2002, when the Bioscience Roadmap was launched, bioscience jobs in Arizona have grown by 23 percent, three times as fast as the nation as a whole, and the number of bioscience firms has grown at a similar rate. Marty plays a crucial role in advancing biosciences in Arizona. He advocates for the biosciences at the Arizona legislature, with the state’s Congressional delegation and with the media, always serving as an articulate voice in support of the biosciences.
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.
Bruce Rittman, Ph.D., Director, Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, ASU – Dr. Rittman is an international leader in the use of communities of microbes to provide service to human society. His microbes are active in cleaning up environmental pollution, treating water and wastewater, generating renewable energy and improving human health. One of Dr. Rittman’s especially noteworthy contributions is the membrane biofilm reactor, a technology now being used to destroy a wide range of pollutants in water and wastewaters.
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.
Rep. Nancy K. Barto, District 7, Arizona House of Representatives – In her important role as Chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee, Rep. Barto has demonstrated a unique interest and concern for the advancement of the Arizona bioscience industry. This year, Rep. Barto sponsored important legislation to support the health care of the citizens of Arizona, including a bill that allows pharmacists to administer certain medications, lowering consumer costs and improving public safety.
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.
Barbara Fransway, Outreach Coordinator & Research Specialist, Arizona Research Laboratories, The University of Arizona – Barbara is often described as a natural teacher, with an ability to engage and educate, inspiring countless high school students across the state of Arizona. In addition to her work with the DNA Shoah Project, Barbara organizes and runs a summer Forensics Camp for 14-18 year olds, leads teacher-training workshops and offers laboratory tours. Her enthusiasm for bioscience is infectious, and she has the ability to translate complex topics into clear, concise language.
The AZBio Awards Dinner, co-hosted by AZBio and Arizona CURE (Citizens United for Research & Employment), annually 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.
About AZBio:
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. www.azbio.org
About Arizona CURE:
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. www.arizonacure.org