WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce the BIO International Leadership Award winner for the 2012 BIO International Convention is the Rt Honourable David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, United Kingdom.

It is a real honor to be presented with the BIO International Leadership Award and to have the UKs work to support the life sciences industry recognised internationally, said Minister Willetts. Our life sciences sector is world-class but we are not complacent. Its vital we respond to global changes in the industry with more focus on collaboration and more prompt clinical trials. We want to ensure the industry continues to drive growth, foster innovation and attract overseas investment. The 2012 BIO International Convention is a great place to kick-start global collaborations, and we look forward to tracking the success stories of the hundreds of UK delegates at this event.

In his role as Minister of State for Universities and Science, Minister Willetts is responsible for looking across all departmental business at strategic priorities as well as higher education, science and research, life sciences and innovation. He is also responsible forthe Technology Strategy Board, UK Space Agency and the National Measurement Office.

The BIO International Leadership Award is presented to a Premier, Federal Minister or other high-level public official for his or her commitment to advancing biotechnology through policy mechanisms that facilitate and strengthen a country or regions innovation frameworks. The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 19th at the Public Officials Reception from 5:30 7:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Mass.

The first Annual International Leadership Award was presented in 2008 to The Honourable Peter Beattie for his efforts during his tenure as Premier of Queensland, Australia. In 2009, the Award was granted to The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Canada and in 2010, the Award was granted to The Honourable Miguel Sebastin, Spains Minister of Industry, Tourism & Trade.

The BIO Business Forum has grownover thepast eleven years to become theindustry's largest partnering event, hosting a record breaking 21,000+ partnering meetings in 2011. Powered byBIO's One-on-One Partnering System, the Business Forum fosters the opportunity for companies toinitiate business contacts in a friendly environment and schedule meetings prior to theconference. To take advantage of partnering, please visit here.

The BIO Business Forum also hosts over 160 company presentations, which by participating, will allow the Buzz of BIO winners to increase visibility, attract more partners and pitch their company objectives to a global audience representing over sixty countries and various industry investors, research analysts, policy makers and other business development executives.

The BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and the newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders, and media from around the world. Speakers at the sessions will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues and food and agriculture. For registration, conference agenda and exhibitor information, visit 2012 BIO International Convention.

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2012 BIO International Convention International Leadership Award Winner Announced