Tech Collective invites applications and nominations for 2014 Rhode Island Bioscience Awards

Tech Collective, Rhode Island's Bioscience and Information Technology industry association, today announces the launch of its 2014 Rhode Island Bioscience Awards. Nominations and applications are being accepted; forms are available at www.tech-collective.org.

The Rhode Island Bioscience Awards are designed exclusively to honor accomplishments, innovations, and leadership within the state's bioscience sectors. New to the program this year are four recognition categories:

• Individual - outstanding bioscience professional or entrepreneur
• Product / Innovation: Startup - breakthrough industry product, service, or innovation
• Product / Innovation: Enterprise - breakthrough industry product, service, or innovation
• Community Leader -individual, organization, or company advancing the bioscience industry forward through advocacy, education/mentorship, workforce development, youth engagement, and/or leadership.

Individuals, products/innovations, and companies in the medical device and equipment, research and development, drug and pharmaceutical, healthcare technology, or related bioscience industry sector are eligible for nomination or application. Nominations are being accepted through Monday, July 7^th, 2014. All applications are due by Monday, July 14^th, 2014.

"From infectious disease treatments to medical device implants to homeland defense research, Rhode Island is impacting the biosciences on not only a local scale, but on a national and global one," said Kathie Shields, executive director of Tech Collective. "The Rhode Island Bioscience Awards have been established to recognize these leaders who are influencing and fostering bioscience innovation, growth, and success right here in Rhode Island. We're proud of their accomplishments and look forward to sharing and celebrating them."

The Rhode Island Bioscience Awards were launched in 2013. Honorees of the inaugural program were:

• Edward Bozzi, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor; Coordinator of the Biomanufacturing Program, University of Rhode Island
• Michelle Wu, Director of Quality Services, Ximedica
• Denice Spero, PhD, former Co-Director, and Anne De Groot, MD, Director; Institute for Immunology and Informatics (iCubed) at the University of Rhode Island
• Andrew P. Mallon, PhD, CEO/Director of Research, Calista Therapeutics, Inc.
• Leslie Cousens, PhD, Scientific Director of Protein Therapeutics, EpiVax, Inc.

This year's award winners with be recognized at the 2014 Rhode Island Bioscience Awards celebration on Thursday, August 28^th, 8:30am-11:30am at Kirkbrae Country Club. For more information and to apply or nominate a peer or colleague, visit www.tech-collective.org.