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OK, cheesy title, I know. The point is that we want to know what you’re interested in seeing and doing in 2010 with the San Diego Biotechnology Network. What are the hot areas? What types of events would you like to see? Would you like to participate in new ways, such as blogging or charity events? We’re leaving it up to you, please take the survey at http://sdbn.org/2010poll by Dec. 10th and we’ll post the results!
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With the help of IamBiotech, we interviewed you at the Oct. 29th ‘Bootstrapping Biotech’ event to learn more about what is going on in the area and communicate it to others. This interview with Philip Skinner is indicative of what we hear a lot–excitement about the possibilities, but nervous as well. We plan to continue the conversation at our December 8th event ‘Drug Discovery 2.0 with Assay Depot.’ See all the interviews at http://sdbn.org/bootstrap, and as always let us know what you think: in person, on the website, on LinkedIn, Facebook…you can even make your own video and send it to us!
We’ll also be interviewing you at the December 8th event, let’s keep the conversation going!
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Newly appointed National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins will attend and speak briefly at the American Society for Cell Biology Conference in San Diego Dec. 5-9. Dr. Collins will provide some short remarks after Rudolf Jaenisch’s keynote presentation at 6 p.m. SDBN has requested an interview and hopes to give San Diego Biotechnology professionals a voice for the direction of NIH funding.
Dr. Collins led the Human Genome Project, an achievement which significantly changed the landscape of life science research. The project has found increasing relevance as the data becomes ‘translated’ into implications for health and medicine. The information has pervasively impacted the way our industry ‘works,’ just one example being the improved communication between drug discovery and disease diagnostics. Dr. Collins is also a physician and a proponent of personalized medicine, and was appointed as NIH Director by President Obama in July of this year.
Dr. Collins has been a strong supporter of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) for years, and is described as an ‘eloquent speaker and all around great guy’ by John Fleischman, Science Writer for ASCB. Fleischman said Dr. Collins has also been known to pick up a guitar and play at their functions. We know that Dr. Collins has a sense of humor because he has appeared on the Colbert Report. We can’t promise a ‘kumbaya’ session, or a funny rapport (pun intended), but it will be great to hear Dr. Collins talk about the direction of the NIH. The meeting is also a great place to learn and network with scientists and exhibitors, I highly suggest that you attend.
The ASCB is dedicated to basic research which is of paramount importance to supporting our local biotechnology economy, as our industry is fed by our top research institutions. Personally, I am interested in changes in NIH funding which will better prepare our academic scientists to more easily ‘translate’ their knowledge to industrial applications.
Do you have any questions for Dr. Collins? Please leave them as a comment below, and we will do our best to get them asked!
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Ironically, this week I had some ‘bootstrapping’ challenges of my own with my website and email, and this morning we’re finding out that our video crew for tonight may be stuck in DC. I just talked with David Welch and as he put it, we’re going to make lemonade out of lemons. Bootstrapping sometimes means getting creative, not always being a perfectionist, and involving your network.
We’re still working out the details, but we’re planning on using more inexpensive cameras and also getting you involved in the interview process. David Welch has agreed to help you learn how to interview and record. Heck, this may even turn out better this way! We’d like the theme of the interviews to be Bootstrapping Biotech, here are some ideas for questions–feel free to come with your own questions or be ready to answer!
Bootstrapping Biotech Interview Questions
Background information: How long have you been in San Diego Biotech, Which Sector (Biotech/Pharma, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Biotech/Ag), where do (or did) you work?
How are you ‘Bootstrapping Biotech’? This could include starting a company, trying to do more with less using social media, or getting creative with your job search, etc.
Do you think we need to Bootstrap Biotech in San Diego? If so, what are your ideas for growth?
What is the most exciting thing you find about San Diego Biotech?
Do you have any concerns about San Diego Biotech? Has the current job situation made you consider leaving the area? If so, where would you go?
Do you have any ideas for communicating the value of Biotechnology to the general public?
Feel free to leave comments below on what you’d like to ask or be asked!
If you haven’t registered for tonight’s event, or need more information, visit http://sdbn.org/october. Also, be sure list yourself on the http://sdbn.org/bootstrap page. Hope to see you tonight!
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A reminder that the Society for Biomolecular Sciences is hosting a Label-free symposium in San Diego soon. They are an excellent resource for those of you who are looking to learn more about drug discovery. Check out the announcement below, the special offer for the SDBN (all you need is the code), and the other resources available for you to interact and learn.
SBS heads to San Diego this November!
Learn more by visiting www.sbsonline.org/labelfree
Explore new research. Expand your network. Save on registration.
The Society for Biomolecular Sciences will host:
Advances & Challenges in Label-Free Technologies for Drug Discovery
November 2 – 3, 2009, San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
And SDBN friends can save $100 on the Non-Member rate by using the coupon code SDBNLFN during the online registration process! Visit www.sbsonline.org/labelfree for all the program details.
Takeda San Diego to Present at Upcoming Meeting
Dan Kassel, Ph.D., Vice President of Analytical Sciences and DMPK at Takeda San Diego, will present at the upcoming SBS label-free technologies symposium. Dr. Kassel’s presentation, Early ADME/Tox Profiling During Discovery Research: Streamlined, High Throughput Methods for Data Generation and Data Evaluation, is one of 22 talks designed to explore and enhance the use of label-free technologies for drug discovery. Learn more about the November 2 & 3 event at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley by visiting www.sbsonline.org/labelfree.
A Call to All Academics:
Want to take advantage of key scientific content, access to new technologies and expand your network? Reduced registration rates are available for the academic of government research communities.
The Society for Biomolecular Sciences is hosting Advances & Challenges in Label-Free Technologies for Drug Discovery, November 2 – 3 at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley. Academic and government researchers can attend for just $195. Even better: encourage students to get in on the networking. Students can participate for just $55. Visit www.sbsonline.org/labelfree for details.
Looking to kick-start your career and gain peer recognition?
Submit an abstract for a podium presentation at the SBS 16th Annual Conference & Exhibition, April 11 – 19, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ. The deadline for submissions is November 4, 2009; learn more by visiting the SBS web site.
Academic Screening Facility Directory
SBS has launched an online resource for information on high-throughput screening centers based in academic, government and non-profit research institutes from around the globe. Over 65 facilities have voluntarily contributed to the SBS Academic Screening Facility Directory, and the list keeps growing. Check out the SBS web site for more details.
SBS launches free webcasts
For the first time, the Society for Biomolecular Sciences is launching free webcasts. With the sponsorship support of the Genetics Policy Institute, SBS just made free webcasts available from their September 2009 symposium, Screening Stem Cells: From Reprogramming to Regenerative Medicine. Check it out now by visiting the SBS web site.
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Starting and Growing A Life Science Company
NEW! Get resources & connect at http://sdbn.org/bootstrap, and come ready to interview or be interviewed! http://bit.ly/4r02Kn
You’ve got an idea for a company or a product that you think is really great. What are the next steps? Whether you need funding to get started, or are ready to launch your product, understanding your position in the marketplace is the first step. Evaluating your competition, customers, and value proposition are necessary and require a comprehension of science, technology, and business. Fortunately, today’s ‘consultant-friendly’ atmosphere means that you have many tools at your disposal to help your company grow. Once you formulate a plan, understanding how traditional marketing and social media tools can work together synergistically is key for successful implementation. Developing an engaging web presence is vital and more accessible through integration of dynamic content and video, and it can be part of a larger public relations plan for any sized company.
We’ll spend a very interactive hour presenting this workshop during this San Diego Biotechnology Network event, and you’ll network with others with an interest in life science business development and marketing throughout the night. As always, you will be able to connect online before and after the event, and we’ll encourage you to share your ideas or desire to connect with others (feel free to leave a comment below or on the LinkedIn group discussion). You’ll leave with resources to help you take the next steps to bootstrap your biotech company, and the connections that will help you to move forward.
Presenters
Mary Canady, Founder and Principal, Comprendia (Bio) (LinkedIn)
Lorna Neilson, Founder and Principal, inGENEuity (LinkedIn)
Steve Scott, CEO & (EIR at Connect) at Technology Acquisition Group (Bio) (LinkedIn)
David Welch, Senior Partner, WHITECOAT Strategies (Bio) (LinkedIn)
Some sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact us for more information.
Event Details
Who: Biotechnology professionals in the greater San Diego area
What: San Diego Biotechnology Network’s October Bootstrapping Biotech Networking Event
When: Thursday, October 29th, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego 92109 (Directions below)
Cost: $20, including appetizers ($15 for Academics) +$5 at door (cash/check only)
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/october
Directions: From the North: South on Interstate 5, Exit Balboa Ave, Straight to 4th Traffic Light then left on Bunker Hill St. Building directly ahead 3 blks. From the South: North on Interstate 5, Exit Grand/ Garnet Ave, Straight to 3rd Traffic Light then right on Bunker Hill St. Building directly ahead 3 blks. Park on the street or in the structure just past Tango del Rey.
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A few times over the last week or so, I’ve been asked how many life science companies are utilizing social media. I decided to make a list, and I also have some hints and shortcuts for you so that you can get a head start. In this post, I am focusing on companies that have physical or software products for life scientists and biotech companies not classified as healthcare (e.g., Monsanto). Note that I also have some personal genomics companies listed–they’re a bit of a grey area, but personally I’m very interested in them, so I’m including them. I’ll also show you how to find scientists in social media and blogs, as the list would be too lengthy here. There is a very nice, complementary list of pharma and healthcare social media that can be found on Dose of Digital kept up expertly by Jonathan Richman. Both lists are dynamic, feel free to leave a comment below to add your company, and I know Jonathan is open to updates to his list.
Life Science Companies Using Social Media
You’ll notice that many of the companies listed below are small, as social media is a great way for them to get exposure inexpensively. The larger companies are starting to be more active, and I have talked with a few who are working out policies and procedures to implement. There are some great examples of companies providing interesting information and helping customers. Also, there are some companies who simply post special offers and don’t seem to ‘get it,’ but I’m sure in time, they will. If you want to get updates from all of the companies easily, check out the Shortcut section for the RSS feeds and email updates.
Life Science Companies in Social Media
Shortcuts
When we had our ‘Social Media for Scientists‘ event in May, we discovered that many of you feel as though you don’t have the time for social media. How can we help? Well, nothing really substitutes for diving in and experiencing it yourself, but there are some shortcuts we can help you with. If you need help with RSS, check out this post/video.
Shortcuts for Scientists in Social Media
| Area | Details | Required Accounts | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist Blogs | There are many scientist blogs to choose from, too numerous to mention here. I suggest that you start with Science Blogs and Research Blogging. | RSS reader or email | Science Blogs RSS, Research Blogging RSS, Combined Email |
| Life Science Company Blogs | We’ve set up an RSS feed and daily email for you. | RSS reader or email | RSS, Email |
| Life Science Company Tweets | Ditto on row directly above. Note that there will be a lot of info in these emails. It really is best viewed by getting a Twitter account and following, but if this gets you started, go for it! | RSS reader or email | RSS, Email |
| Scientists on Twitter | The easiest way to follow scientists on Twitter is to visit the ‘Twibe,’ log in, add yourself, and mouse over each name list and click on ‘follow.’ Warning: do not follow more than 100 people per day or you may be banished as a spammer. | Twitter account | Scientists ‘Twibe’ (thanks to David Bradley of ScienceBase and his original list) |
| Biotech on Twitter | Ditto on row above, check out the Biotech ‘Twibe.’ | Twitter account | Biotech ‘Twibe’ |
| Biotech on LinkedIn | Tips and list of good LinkedIn groups to join for Biotech. | LinkedIn Account | Biotech on LinkedIn |
| Scientists on FriendFeed | FriendFeed is a great tool for scientists to get together and discuss topics as a group. | FriendFeed account | Scientists on FriendFeed |
| Videos for Scientists | A list of video resources for scientists. | YouTube account (optional) | Videos for Scientists |
| Social Media for Scientists | Presentation to the SDBN May 2009 covering LinkedIn, Twitter, science blogs, and social bookmarking. | Social Media for Scientists |
NOTE: Spammers are everywhere, so use caution. If you begin to get ‘direct messages’ from the people we are suggesting to follow on twitter, simply unfollow and block them.
We hope that you find these resources useful, and feel free to comment or give suggestions below. There are other resources for scientists on social media, and we will try to cover them here–this is just a start. If you work for a life science company, now is a great time to get started, contact Comprendia for a free consultation to learn more.
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Many of you know I’m a big fan of Seth Godin, a real thought leader in social media. I’m reading a book of his called ‘Tribes,’ which talks about the need for people to come together with a common interest and towards a common goal (and I highly suggest the book). I realized that’s what we’re doing with the SDBN–utilizing the new tools available to create more communication among biotechnology professionals in the region. Seth suggests that one of the things that helps a Tribe to grow is to facilitate connections between members. We’re trying to create a feeling of community using the different venues, but we need your help! Please join, subscribe, and participate using the links below!
Join
| Our Facebook page will give you updates and also some ‘just for fun’ news, contests and posts. Join and send the link http://facebook.com/sdbiotech to your friends, too! |
Subscribe
To be connected, I think it’s important to know what’s going on with San Diego Biotech. For this, we have created ‘San Diego Biotech’ specific feeds for you, including news, jobs, and blog posts (which include events as well). Here are examples of the news, jobs, and blog feeds you’ll receive. We’ve set up email updates, RSS feeds (more info on RSS) and twitter accounts in many flavors, take your pick!
Subscription Options
| SDBN Blog, News, Jobs | RSS | ||
| SDBN Blog, News | RSS | ||
| SDBN Jobs | RSS | ||
| SDBN News | RSS | ||
| SDBN Blog | RSS |
Participate!
Nothing connects people more than meeting face to face. Please attend our monthly events, they are very interactive and we always feature the hottest companies and topics. The next meeting is September 22nd, featuring Intellikine. Also, we encourage you to attend the other networking events in San Diego, check them out on our calendar or visit their websites which are listed on the right column. We also want to hear from you! Comment below, write a blog post, tell us who you are on twitter, etc. This is your group, tell us how it can connect you better and help you to meet your goals. We’ve toyed with the idea of putting forums or other ways for you to interact here on the site, suggestions welcome!
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The September San Diego Biotechnology Network (SDBN) event will feature Intellikine, a leader in the development of innovative, small molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and autoimmune diseases, and recently in the news for raising $51M in VC funding. Troy Wilson, Ph.D., CEO, will give a short presentation, and as always there will be plenty of time to ask questions and interact with representatives from Intellikine.
Troy Wilson is the President, CEO and a founder of Intellikine, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs that target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and other diseases. Dr. Wilson is a serial entrepreneur who previously has co-founded several San Diego based companies, including Ambrx and Phenomix. In his presentation, Dr. Wilson will describe Intellikine’s formation, the scientific and clinical rationale behind its drug discovery programs, its business development and corporate strategy, and how the company was able recently to raise $51 million in venture capital in a very challenging market. The presentation should be of interest to scientists, entrepreneurs, clinicians and anyone interested in how to translate world-class academic science into a leading biotech company.
Event Details
Who: Biotechnology professionals in the greater San Diego area
What: San Diego Biotechnology Network’s September Networking Event featuring Intellikine
When: Tuesday, September 22nd, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego 92109 (Directions below)
Cost: $20, including appetizers ($15 for Academics) +$5 at door (cash or check only)
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/september
Directions: From the North: South on Interstate 5, Exit Balboa Ave, Straight to 4th Traffic Light then left on Bunker Hill St. Building directly ahead 3 blks. From the South: North on Interstate 5, Exit Grand/ Garnet Ave, Straight to 3rd Traffic Light then right on Bunker Hill St. Building directly ahead 3 blks. Park on the street or in the structure just past Tango del Rey.
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