Life Science Industry Leaders Celebrated

Life Science Industry Leaders Celebrated

New Zealand’s life science industry leaders were celebrated last night at the 5th annual NZBIO Conference Awards.
 
Over 200 guests attended the AgResearch sponsored NZBIO Awards dinner and were wowed by a fashion show featuring cutting edge fabrics developed by AgResearch into designs from New Zealand’s top fashion labels, previously only seen at Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

Dr William Rolleston of South Pacific Sera received the 2009 Ross Clark Distinguished Biotechnologist of the Year Award, supported by PALL Life Sciences. This award is presented to a leader in their field whose utilization of biotechnology during their career has contributed significantly to improving quality of life and is named in memory of the late Ross Clark, recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Biotechnologist of the Year Award.

“Dr Rolleston has had a significant role in the development of the biotechnology industry in New Zealand with his activities in BIOTENZ and as Chair of the Life Science Network playing a pivotal part in achieving scientific rigour in the debate surrounding the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification,” the judging committee said.

“As well as these industry good activities Dr Rolleston has founded his own biotechnology company, South Pacific Sera, which now enjoys export success.  The committee recognizes and acknowledges his strong involvement in and support for the New Zealand biotechnology industry over a long period of time.”

Dr Andreas Luxenburger of Industrial Research Limited (IRL) was named 2009 NZBIO Young Biotechnologist of the Year.  This award is supported by the Ministry of Research Science & Technology and presented to a scientist under the age of 40 whose work demonstrates the potential for future leadership in biotechnology. The prize includes flights, registration and accommodation to attend the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA as part of MoRST’s scientific delegation.

The awards committee said they were pleased to make this award to Dr Luxenburger because of the important role his carbohydrate chemistry has had in the developing pharma-biotech industry in New Zealand. He leads a medicinal chemistry area which was central to the development of drugs for clinical trails at IRL. His efforts in partnerships and collaborations constitute one of the best emerging assets New Zealand has in its efforts to establish an industry around drug discovery and development.

“I congratulate Dr Rolleston and Dr Luxenburger on their success this evening and over the course of their careers so far,” NZBIO Chief Executive Bronwyn Dilley says.

“These annual awards are an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of New Zealand’s highly talented life science industry leaders. The calibre of entries is always very high which reflects the depth of talent and capability in the local life science community.”

ENDS