2025 BIOSCIENCE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The 2025 Bioscience Excellence Awards celebrate the people and organizations driving innovation, advancing workforce development, and making a lasting impact on Oregon’s bioscience ecosystem.

Award recipients were recognized during a special awards ceremony and reception at the close of Day One of the Oregon Bio 2025 Annual Conference, taking place September 29–30, 2025.

Bioscience Entrepreneur of the Year

This award honors a founder or leader who has demonstrated exceptional vision, innovation, and resilience in bringing a bioscience product, service, or venture to life. Nominees will have played a key role in growing a company, launching new solutions, or influencing the industry—while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to future impact. We welcome nominations of founders from underrepresented backgrounds or those building companies in rural or underserved regions, as part of our shared goal to reflect the full diversity of Oregon’s bioscience ecosystem. 

2025 Finalists (scroll down for bios)
Connor Barth - Awarded
Scott Filer
Mark Newman

Bioscience Woman of the Year

This award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence in bioscience. Whether advancing research, building inclusive teams, mentoring future leaders, or scaling an initiative, she is helping shape the future of the industry.

This award reflects Oregon Bio Women's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the incredible women shaping Oregon’s bioscience industry and leading the way in science, innovation, and impact. 

2025 Finalists (scroll down for bios)
Heather Ellis
Summer Gibbs
Jenn Klotz - Awarded

Bioscience Woman of the Year is sponsored by:

Bioscience Legislator of the Year

Recognizing outstanding support for Oregon’s bioscience sector, this award honors a public official who has advanced innovation, workforce development, or research through legislation, advocacy, or collaboration. Their leadership helps foster a more vibrant, sustainable ecosystem for science and technology across the state.

Awarded - Oregon Rep. Daniel L. Nguyen

Nomination Period

The nomination period has passed.  

Eligibility and Nomination Process

• Nominees must live in Oregon or SW Washington and have made a significant impact on the state’s bioscience sector.
• Professionals from all areas of bioscience are eligible, including industry, research, academia, startups, regulatory, and workforce development.
• Nominations may be submitted by peers, colleagues, or community members. Self-nominations are also welcome.
• The nomination form includes a few short questions about how the nominee’s work and accomplishments make them a strong candidate for this recognition.

Selection Process

Each award will be reviewed by a separate committee of peers with relevant expertise. Review committees will evaluate submissions based on how the nominee’s accomplishments align with the intent of the specific award and their broader contributions to Oregon’s bioscience sector. Finalists may be invited to a brief virtual interview prior to final selection.

Meet our 2025 Bioscience Excellence Awards Finalists:

View the 2025 awards finalists.