Nature: Making it in the biotech business

Nature: Making it in the biotech business

This article from Nature goes in-depth on how we were inspired to do a panel on "From the Lab to the Boardroom" in how to become successful in the biotech industry. It goes into stressing the importance of leadership skills and networking ability, which VentureForth provides as part of the training program. Here is also the abstract of the panel, which can also be found on our website:

Having a strong background in research is no longer enough for getting ahead in the biotech business. While employers are looking for more than just pure biotech background, as the future leaders in biotechnology, we need to learn how to incorporate our knowledge in science into leadership and management abilities. This panel will focus on the many different paths of how to move from the lab bench to the boardroom. The panelists will share their experiences whether it be through networking or having a mentor that setup their successful career in biotech as well as provide insight into the specific trends and opportunities emerging in the industry today.

• Moderator: Sheldon Schuster PhD. President and Professor, Keck Graduate Institute
• John Dobak, M.D. Founder of JAKK Group
• Alain Baron, M.D Senior Vice President, San Diego, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Connie Matsui, MBA EVP-Knowledge and Innovation Networks, Biogen Idec, Inc.
• Judith W. Zyskind Founder and CSO of Elitra Pharmaceuticals, Inc, & Professor, SDSU

These are a great group of people to know who were once in your position and will be at the conference (Saturday, May 5th, 2007) to share their experiences and help you to stay ahead of the game and be able to do great things.

Also, realize our conference is probably one of the very few events that is FREE!!!!! If you go to BIOCOM, San Diego Venture Group, CONNECT, MIT Forum, etc., THEY ALL COST MONEY!!! We are providing a free event that is for the San Diego community whether you are student, faculty and staff, and industry professional. It's not too late to register. Just go to http://www.ventureforth.org/conferences/biotech/registration.html .