Biotechnology Institute News room

Cong. Vernon J. Ehlers to Deliver Keynote Address at Biotechnology Education Conference

   

Will Highlight Need for Cooperation among Government, Education, and Industry Leaders

Arlington, VA (Oct. 15, 2009) – Cong. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI), a leading proponent of science education in Congress, is the keynote speaker for Building Biotech Bridges, a conference that offers a comprehensive look at how the biotechnology and education communities work together around the country to address life science education and workforce development needs. The conference will be held Nov. 17 in Washington, DC.

“The foundation of our innovation economy lies in a dynamic, motivated, and scientifically well-educated workforce,” says Cong. Ehlers. “I’ve spent my career promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education so this nation can produce a workforce that will continue the research and development that is central to the economic growth of our country. Sound science education also leads to scientifically literate voters and citizens who make thoughtful decisions about public policy.”

Cong. Ehlers’ Congressional leadership positions on science education include service on the Science and Technology Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and co-chair of the STEM Ed Caucus, a bipartisan group of Congressional representatives dedicated to improving the nation's K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

“We are honored to have Cong. Ehlers share his views on the how Congress and the Administration can work with the biotechnology and education communities to address the need to greatly improve American science education,” says Paul A. Hanle, president of the Biotechnology Institute. “We believe that biotechnology leaders should stand with other leaders of science to advocate science education reform because life science is the great adventure of our time, and its influence over our lives is enormous.”

The Building Biotech Bridges Conference will bring together leaders from the biotechnology industry and the education committee who are engaged in model science education programs in their communities and at the state and national level. They will share case studies and best management practices for those who want to develop or enhance biotechnology education programs in their communities. It will be held Nov. 17, 8:30-4:15, at the Naval Heritage Center, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. More information is available at http://www.biotechinstitute.org/programs/bridges.html.

About the Biotechnology Institute
The Biotechnology Institute is an independent, national nonprofit organization with a mission to engage, excite, and educate as many people as possible, particularly young people, about biotechnology and its immense potential to heal the sick, feed the hungry, restore the environment, and fuel the economy.  For more information, visit www.biotechinstitute.org.


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Contact:
Jeff Ghannam
Biotechnology Institute
703-248-8681
jghannam@biotechinstitute.org