Biotech pioneer presents ‘From Research to Commercial Reality, in the New World’

Famed chemist, biotech pioneer and Harvard University professor George M. Whitesides will present “From Research to Commercial Reality, in the New World” at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 9, at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave.

With more than 50 issued and pending patents, Whitesides’ inventions have been developed for commercial use in fields that range from biomedicine to electronics, aerospace, energy, industrial products, military equipment, environmental testing and consumer goods.

Co-founder of a dozen startup companies, including Genzyme Corp., Whitesides’ presentation will focus on his experiences and unique vision for success. The event is free and open to the public as part of the Gilson Discovery Series hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).

The presentation is followed by a networking reception at 6 p.m. Seating may be limited, so please register here or by calling Devon Cournoyer at 608-890-1621.

WARF supports world-class research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison by protecting the intellectual property of university faculty, staff and students, and licensing inventions resulting from their work. WARF was established in 1925 as the first university-based technology transfer office in the world.

In 2002, UW–Madison alumnus, faculty member and entrepreneur Warren Gilson bequeathed a generous gift to WARF to promote entrepreneurialism in Wisconsin. Since 2005, WARF has hosted a series of events in his name to help connect the university with the Madison community.