HINJ Honors Four at Life Sciences Celebration 2014

The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ) last evening honored two New Jersey leaders and two organizations for their contributions in public service, life sciences research, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and patient advocacy.  The awards were presented at HINJ’s Life Sciences Celebration 2014, which was held at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin.

Those recognized were Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ-12); Joachim Kohn, Ph.D., FBSE, Director, New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, and Board of Governors Professor of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Students 2 Science, Inc.; and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s New Jersey Chapter.

Presiding over the event, Craig Bleifer, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. and Chair of HINJ’s Board of Trustees, said, “There is much to celebrate in New Jersey’s life sciences community.  HINJ is delighted to recognize the achievements of this distinguished group, who, like our HINJ member companies, have demonstrated a sustained commitment across a broad spectrum of activities to improving the human condition.”

“New Jersey has earned the reputation of being the ‘Medicine Chest of the World,’” Bleifer added.  “HINJ member companies are proud of their unwavering dedication to innovation, their contributions to New Jersey’s economy, their corporate social responsibility, and tirelessly working to expand patient access to the medicines, therapies and medical technologies that improve and save lives all around the globe.”

HINJ President and Chief Executive Officer Dean J. Paranicas shared Mr. Bleifer’s enthusiasm.  “It is entirely fitting that we honor the efforts of those who share our industry’s ideals,” Paranicas said.  “The life sciences in New Jersey has a long and distinguished history.  The state’s life sciences community is, and, I am confident, will long continue to be, a global leader.”

HINJ presented honors in four categories — public service, life sciences research, STEM education and patient advocacy.  The recipients of HINJ’s 2014 honors were:

• The Honorable Bob Franks Public Service Award: HINJ presented the Honorable Bob Franks Public Service Award — named in honor of the late former U.S. Congressman and HINJ President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Franks — to U.S. Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ-12) for his leadership in the advancement of global human health, scientific research and innovation.  Holt will retire from the House at the end of the 113th Congress in January 2015.

• Research: In recognition of his many contributions to life sciences research, HINJ honored Joachim Kohn, Ph.D., FBSE, Director, New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, and Board of Governors Professor of Chemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

• STEM Education: HINJ honored Students 2 Science, Inc. in recognition of its leadership and achievement in STEM education in New Jersey.  The award was accepted by Paul Winslow, Ph.D., President, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Board

• Patient Advocacy: HINJ honored The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s New Jersey Chapter in recognition of its leadership in patient advocacy in New Jersey.  The award was accepted by Mike Shevlin, President, Board of Trustees.

Ethan Zohn — CBS “Survivor Africa” winner, cancer crusher and co-founder of Grassroot Soccer — was the special guest speaker.

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