OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association celebrated a successful year at their 2011 Annual Meeting on April 14, 2011. The meeting was held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Whittier Research Center, 2200 Vine Street, in Lincoln.
The annual meeting included a discussion on how Nebraska’s academic, government, and industry partnerships have aligned to maximize Nebraska’s strengths in human, animal, and plant science. The discussion was led by Jim McClurg, Ph.D., Bio Nebraska’s Chairman of the Board; J.B. Milliken, J.D., President of the University of Nebraska; Richard Baier, Director of Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development; and Lyle Middendorf, Senior VP and Chief Technical Officer at LI-COR Biosciences.
Gov. Dave Heineman presented the 2011 Governor’s Bioscience Award, created by Nebraska artist and Hastings College art professor, Tom Kreager, to Timothy J. Miller, Ph.D., of Benchmark Biolabs in Lincoln.
“Dr. Timothy Miller has been a leader in biological product development and licensing for nearly 30 years in Nebraska,” said Gov. Heineman. “I appreciate everything this innovative and successful company has contributed to our state and I hope there are opportunities for additional job growth as Benchmark Biolabs continues to grow.”
Dr. Miller engineered the world’s first licensed recombinant DNA vaccine for Norden Laboratories in 1984. In 1996, he started Benchmark Biolabs in Lincoln. It is through his role as president of Benchmark Biolabs that he has been involved with three additional firsts: the development of the first in vitro potency test for the USDA with Novus, Matsui/Nippon Soda Corporation’s US subsidiary, the licensing of the world’s first vaccine made from plant transgenic cells with Dow AgroSciences Corporation, and the licensing of the first autogenous fish vaccine based on an oral-delivery platform with PerOs, Inc.
“We congratulate Dr. Miller for this award and are thrilled to recognize his contribution,” stated Bio Nebraska Executive Director, Amy Recker. “Nebraska’s strengths in animal, human and plant bioscience come together under one roof with the leadership of Dr. Miller and his team at Benchmark Biolabs. It was great to celebrate Dr. Miller’s accomplishments on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where Benchmark Biolabs initially leased space in the Tech Transfer Labs.”
Coordinated by Bio Nebraska, the 2011 meeting was the fourth Bio Nebraska annual meeting. More information about upcoming events and membership can be found at www.bionebraska.org.
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.
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