Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization’s iBIO Institute Announces 2012 iCON Award Winners

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The iBIO Institute today announced the three winners of the sixth annual iBIO iCON Awards, considered by many to be the region’s most prestigious honor for life sciences educators and researchers. The iCON Awards celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding innovators and leaders whose work provides the basis for biotechnology developments worldwide.

“In Mark’s classroom, students use real world data and hands-on science investigations to develop 21st century skills. His genuine enthusiasm for teaching and faith in his students’ abilities nurtures students’ lifelong love of science and technology.”

The 2012 Civic iCON Award winner is Henry S. Bienen, Ph.D. Bienen is President Emeritus of Northwestern University and was appointed to the Chicago Board of Education in May of 2011 by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Bienen served as president of Northwestern University from June 1994 until retiring in August 2009.

Bienen chairs both the boards of Ithaka Harbors and Rasmussen College, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and serves on its executive committee. He also serves on the board of Onconova Therapeutics, Ryan Specialty Group, Gleacher Investment Bank and Grosvenor Fund of Funds. Bienen is on the executive committee of the Steppenwolf Theatre and is an honorary Trustee at the Shedd Aquarium. Bienen was recently elected by the Cornell Board of Trustees as Presidential Councillor, the highest honor the board can bestow.

“When it comes to building an innovation-based economy here, Dr. Henry Bienen has moved the needle forward in many ways,” said iBIO Institute Chairman, Dr. Norbert Riedel, corporate vice president, and chief science and innovation officer at Baxter International Inc. “He built Northwestern University into a world-class research powerhouse, while lending his leadership skills to a wide range of civic and entrepreneurial endeavors in Chicago and Illinois, and his service to our community continues. He is a true Civic iCON.”

The 2012 iCON Innovator Award (University Level) winner is Janet Davison Rowley, MD. Dr. Rowley is the Blum Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Rowley is an American human geneticist and the first scientist to identify a chromosomal translocation as the cause of leukemia and other cancers. Her work has proven immensely influential and today, well over 1500 translocations have been identified across every different type of cancer. Dr. Rowley has published more than 400 articles and continues her research at the University of Chicago.

“Dr. Rowley is internationally recognized as a pioneer in changing the understanding of cancer, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment. Her research has saved lives and eased suffering,” said David Miller, president and CEO of the iBIO Institute. “Honoring Dr. Rowley at the 2012 iCON Awards ceremony on October 4 is fitting because she so thoroughly exemplifies the characteristics celebrated by the iCON Innovator Award.”

The 2012 iCON Knowledge Builder Award (Grades 6-12) winner is Mark Casey, a science teacher at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy. Casey is widely regarded by students, peers and administrators as a talented, committed teaching professional. His enthusiasm in the classroom enables him to get students of all backgrounds excited about science, and his student-centered teaching style embodies the new Common Core State Standards of learning.

In addition to inspiring students in his classroom, Casey is a Teacher-Leader for the National Biotechnology Institute Teacher-Leader Program and facilitates professional development in biotechnology for Chicago Public Schools science teachers through the Baxter@Work program at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

“Mark Casey uses his prior professional industry experience to connect his teaching to real-world problems,” said Ann Reed, iBIO Institute EDUCATE Center vice president. “In Mark’s classroom, students use real world data and hands-on science investigations to develop 21^st century skills. His genuine enthusiasm for teaching and faith in his students’ abilities nurtures students’ lifelong love of science and technology.”

For more information or to register for the iCON Awards Dinner on October 4,2012 at The Field Museum in Chicago, please visit www.ibioinstitute.org.

About iBIO Institute

The mission of the iBIO Institute is to orchestrate business leadership in delivery of world-class educational programs and job-creating new technology ventures. The Institute’s EDUCATE Center delivers science and math programs for teachers and students, thereby inspiring the next generation of innovators and helping restore America’s leadership in technology education. The Institute’s PROPEL Center increases the number and success rate of early-stage life sciences companies in Illinois.

To learn more about the iBIO Institute and its programs, visit www.ibioinstitute.org.

About iBIO

iBIO’s mission is to make Illinois and the surrounding Midwest one of the world’s top life sciences centers: a great place to do business, and a great place to grow new technology ventures. iBIO promotes sound public policy at the local, state and federal levels; improves our region’s ability to create, attract and retain businesses; and orchestrates industry involvement to help solve America’s math and science education crisis. We thereby contribute to the well-being of people worldwide through agricultural, bio-industrial and medical applications while creating new jobs, wealth and prosperity.

To learn more about iBIO and its programs, visit www.ibio.org.

iBIO’s Leadership Sponsors are Abbott, Astellas Pharma US, Baxter International Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.