LaunchBio’s monthly topical event series is back next week, featuring a fireside chat with National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee Frances S. Ligler, a panel with local life sciences leaders, a workshop on FDA approval, plus a life sciences-themed art exhibition presented by Duke INSPIRE.

This is the latest in LaunchBio’s Larger Than Life Science event series, which first launched in January. Held on the first Tuesday of every month, the events rotate themes and include networking activities, investor meetings, panels, workshops, showcases and fireside chats. Registration is free and open to the public.

The content theme for September’s installment is Leading the Way.

LaunchBio CEO Joan Siefert Rose says that this focus is centered around the importance of leadership and finding great mentors.

“With ‘Leading the Way,’ we’re honoring the people who model exemplary leadership in their pursuit to advance science,” Rose said. “Success isn’t just about working hard, it requires strong leadership.”

Headlining the event is Frances S. Ligler, Lampe distinguished professor in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill. Last year, she was inducted to the National Inventors Hall of Fame for her work in researching and developing portable optical sensors.

A fireside chat with Ligler will highlight her experience and contributions in the life sciences sector and what she has learned along her journey. The conversation will be facilitated by Marla Broadfoot, freelance science journalist and president of the Science Communicators of North Carolina.

A workshop will cover the clinical pharmacology strategies and planning involved in the FDA’s Investigational New Drug (IND) program. The session will be led by Nuventra Pharma Sciences consultants Todd Shearer, Ph.D and Mark Bush, Ph.D. A panel will follow, featuring best-practices and tips from Paul Feldman of Intarcia Therapeutics and Lini Pandite of Shattuck Labs.

A panel, moderated by Durham-based independent journalist Katherine Goldstein, will feature five local women leaders in the life sciences field. Falcon Therapeutics CEO Susan Nichols, GlaxoSmithKline Clinical Pharmacologist Lakshmi Vasist, Liquidia Principal Scientist Meredith J. Earl and Phyta Biotech Consulting Strategist and Consultant Susanne Kjemtrup will discuss the value and applications of mentorship in the life science field.

The art showcase features some pieces and sculptures from the “Art of a Scientist,” a three-month exhibition presented earlier this summer by Duke INSPIRE. Artists and biology students collaborated to create works of art and design representing life science research. The exhibition ran from June 1 to August 10 at the Rubenstein Arts Center and will soon move on to the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Commenting on the focus of the event, Rose further added, “Strong leadership is key to translating scientific research into real impact. With each session we aim to prove this undeniable connection.”

The event will be held on September 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Chesterfield in Durham. More than 250 guests are expected to attend.

If you’d like to attend, you can register on Eventbrite here.

https://wraltechwire.com/event/launchbio-larger-than-life-science-leading-the-way/