Women Driving Innovation Celebrates “Fierce and Focused”
Leadership in Life Sciences
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BioNTX proudly hosted its annual Women Driving Innovation event at Pegasus Park in celebration of International Women’s Day, bringing together leaders from across the North Texas bioscience and healthcare community to recognize the women shaping the future of innovation.
This year’s program embraced the theme “Fierce and Focused,”highlighting the determination, vision, and leadership required to advance discovery and transform healthcare. The event celebrated women who are pushing boundaries across research, industry, and clinical care while inspiring the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
A highlight of the morning was the powerful keynote from Dr. Diana Castro, Founder and Director of the Neurology & Neuromuscular Care Center. Dr. Castro delivered a deeply personal and inspiring address, reflecting on her journey in medicine, the importance of perseverance, and the responsibility leaders carry to advocate for patients and the broader community. Her remarks embodied the spirit of Fierce and Focused—reminding attendees that innovation is not only about scientific advancement, but also about courage, compassion, and commitment to improving lives.
The program also featured a dynamic panel discussion, “From Lab to Market: Skincare Innovation,” which explored how science and entrepreneurship are intersecting to transform the beauty and wellness industries. Panelists shared insights on translating research into products, navigating commercialization, and building successful ventures in a rapidly evolving sector.
Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and visibility—reinforcing the critical role women play in advancing the life sciences ecosystem in North Texas.
BioNTX extends its sincere thanks to our sponsors, whose support made this celebration possible and continues to help elevate the voices and leadership of women across the North Texas life sciences community.
BioNTX is grateful to all of the speakers, sponsors, and attendees who helped make Women Driving Innovation an energizing and inspiring celebration of leadership, discovery, and community.
Thank you for your support
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Women In Bio Launches North Texas Chapter
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Women In Bio has officially launched its newest chapter in North Texas, joining a region known for its thriving life sciences ecosystem. The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is home to over 26,000 life science professionals and stands out in drug development, diagnostics, and innovative startups. With more than a dozen universities and health science centers, North Texas actively drives education, research, and workforce development, playing a key role in advancing life sciences and healthcare innovation.
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Inside Innovation: Why Cargo and Connectivity
Power Biomanufacturing
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In this episode of Inside Innovation, presented by BioNTX, host Eric B. Moore sits down with Milton De La Paz, Vice President of Airline Relations and Cargo Business Development at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), for a systems-level conversation on why logistics, cargo, and connectivity are mission-critical assets in biomanufacturing and life sciences.
With more than 25 years in global aviation and airline strategy, Milton shares a powerful reframing of cargo—not as a back-office function, but as the circulatory system that enables research, manufacturing, clinical trials, and global distribution to function at scale.
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BHIANT Launches 2026 with Strong Ecosystem
Convening at AstraZeneca
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BioNTX would like to extend a sincere thank you to Eniola Kayode-Ashafa, Executive Director and General Manager and the leadership team at AstraZeneca for hosting the first BHIANT Quarterly Meeting of 2026. The strong attendance and engagement from across the region reflect the growing momentum behind this initiative and the shared commitment to strengthening the North Texas biotech and healthcare ecosystem.
BHIANT continues to bring together universities, hospitals, economic development organizations, government partners, and industry leaders to build a more connected and competitive life sciences landscape. Through these convenings, we are advancing collaboration that strengthens talent pipelines, supports innovation and commercialization, and helps position North Texas as a leading center for biotech and healthcare growth.
Hosting this meeting represents an important step in BioNTX’s continued effort to engage global pharmaceutical and manufacturing leaders more deeply within our regional ecosystem. AstraZeneca’s leadership and participation signal the value of industry partners working alongside education, research, and community stakeholders to develop the workforce, partnerships, and infrastructure required for long-term success.
During the meeting, participants engaged in focused breakout sessions aligned with BHIANT’s priority areas for 2026, including:
- Networking and ecosystem connectivity
- Career awareness and early exposure to life sciences careers
- Workforce and talent pipeline development
- Investment and funding pathways
BioNTX would also like to recognize Christopher Edwards for his leadership and vision in helping guide and support the BHIANT initiative. His work through Dallas College and the EDA BioTech Grant continues to play an important role in strengthening workforce alignment and advancing collaborative opportunities across the region.
We are grateful to Eniola Kayode-Ashafa and the AstraZeneca team for their partnership and hospitality, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration as we work together to strengthen the region’s life sciences future.
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The Ecosystem in Moton: Exploring Collaboration to
Strengthen the Region's Life Sciences Workforce
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Leaders from Panthera BioSolutions and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM) convened to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening the life sciences and biomanufacturing workforce pipeline in North Texas and across the region. The discussion focused on aligning industry needs with educational and training programs to better prepare students for emerging careers in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and therapeutic development.
Both organizations expressed a shared commitment to expanding workforce development initiatives that provide technical training while also inspiring and exposing students to the wide range of career opportunities available in the life sciences sector. Participants also discussed the importance of deeper connectivity between industry, academic institutions, and regional ecosystem partners to ensure training programs remain responsive to evolving workforce needs.
As part of the conversation, the groups also explored opportunities to pursue joint grant funding that could help support new training initiatives and scale workforce development programs across the region.
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PCCP Gathering Strengthens Life Sciences Career Community
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BioNTX hosted its second Peer Career Connect Program (PCCP) event of the year on March 11 at the offices of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development (CETD) on the campus of University of Texas at Arlington. The gathering brought together professionals from across the life sciences ecosystem to connect, share insights, and explore new perspectives on career growth within the industry.
PCCP continues to grow as a community-driven platform designed to support individuals navigating career transitions in life sciences and related fields. By creating a welcoming environment for open dialogue and peer support, the program encourages participants to share experiences, exchange insights, and strengthen professional networks across the region. Organizations attending the sessions play an important role as well—offering perspective, mentorship, and connections that help foster a more collaborative and informed workforce community.
This event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including Catapult Health and University of Texas at Arlington. We extend a special thank you to Matt Parsons, Executive Director of Operations at CETD, for hosting the gathering at their offices and welcoming the BioNTX community to campus. BioNTX looks forward to working more closely with the CETD team in the future as we continue to expand opportunities.
With strong participation and growing interest, PCCP continues to gain momentum and reflects BioNTX’s ongoing commitment to strengthening and supporting the life sciences workforce across North Texas.
Thank you for your support
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BioNTX Collaborates with TechFW to Accelerate
North Texas Biotech Startups
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BioNTX is teaming up with nonprofit incubator TechFW to help biotech startups in Fort Worth and across North Texas turn breakthrough research into successful businesses. The partnership launches ThinkLab On Demand, TechFW’s online entrepreneurship program developed with Texas Woman’s University. The program equips biotech and life sciences founders with both the scientific expertise and the business skills needed to build sustainable companies.
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Earn CLE Credits While Exploring Life Sciences Legal Trends
March 24, 2026
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Presents
2026 Legal Forum
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Join BioNTX and Sheppard for a lunch and legal forum diving into the latest shifts in the life sciences industry. With FDA regulatory activity accelerating and enforcement intensifying, the landscape is changing fast.
This session will cover key developments, including medical product pricing, potential deregulation of approval pathways, and emerging enforcement trends.
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Thank you for your support
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BIO BREAK: North Texas Connections in Life Sciences
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BIO BREAK offers the life sciences community an opportunity to network, exchange insights, and foster professional connections. Attendees can engage with peers, discuss emerging trends, and build relationships that support collaboration and innovation across the ecosystem.
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PCCP: Building Our Talent Network
April 8, 2026
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Presents
Peer Career Connect Program
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The Peer Career Connect Program (PCCP) is a platform for professionals navigating career transitions and for employers seeking talent in life sciences and related industries. PCCP facilitates meaningful connections, peer learning, and knowledge sharing to help jobseekers explore opportunities and employers connect with qualified candidates.
Open to professionals at all career stages and employers across sectors including biopharma, digital health, aerospace, research, engineering, logistics, and manufacturing, PCCP provides a space to exchange insights, explore career paths, and build valuable professional relationships in a collaborative and results focused environment.
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Thank you for your support
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2026 iC³ Summit: North Texas’s Premier Life Science Gathering
September 24 - 25, 2026
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The BioNTX iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit is North Texas’s premier convening for the region’s bioscience and healthcare community. Each year, we bring together industry leaders, pioneering researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share insights, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on the next breakthroughs in life sciences and healthcare.
At iC³ 2026, you will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, connect with peers, and participate in conversations that are shaping the future of healthcare innovation in North Texas and beyond. Whether you are looking to gain knowledge, showcase your work, or build meaningful partnerships, iC³ provides the platform to make an impact.
Thank you for your support
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Alpha Cognition Enrolls First Patient in
BEACON Real-World Study of ZUNVEYL®
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lpha Cognition Inc. announced the enrollment of the first patient in BEACON, a Phase 4 real-world study evaluating ZUNVEYL® in long-term care settings for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The study will assess cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, safety, and tolerability in routine clinical practice, generating evidence to support healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers. BEACON plans to enroll approximately 200 patients across multiple sites, with topline results expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
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AstraZeneca’s Enhertu Granted FDA Priority Review
for HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer
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AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo announced that the FDA has accepted their supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) and granted Priority Review for adult patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who have residual invasive disease after neoadjuvant therapy. The FDA action date is expected in Q3 2026. The review is based on DESTINY-Breast05 Phase III results showing Enhertu reduced the risk of invasive disease recurrence or death by 53% compared with T-DM1. The therapy also holds Breakthrough Therapy Designation and is being reviewed under Project Orbis for international concurrent evaluation.
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Barricade Therapeutics Targets Deadly Colorectal Cancer
with Breakthrough Oral Therapy
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Colorectal cancer, the #1 cause of cancer death in adults under 50 and the second deadliest overall, continues to outpace treatment innovation. Barricade, a preclinical-stage biotechnology company, is developing BT-1501, an oral investigational therapy targeting APC-mutant colorectal cancer, a mutation present in roughly 80% of patients. Barricade is preparing for first-in-human studies. Backing their efforts helps accelerate the development of therapies that target key genetic drivers and address critical unmet needs in colorectal cancer.
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Colossal Biosciences Featured in Templum and SoFi’s
Private Market Investment Window
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Accredited investors can now access Colossal Biosciences, alongside OpenAI and Perplexity AI, through a limited-time offering from Templum and SoFi via the Cosmos Fund. Colossal Biosciences is pioneering a proprietary biotech platform with applications in de-extinction, species preservation, livestock optimization, climate science, and human therapeutics. OpenAI drives the next generation of AI infrastructure, while Perplexity AI is reshaping digital search with its Comet browser, now reaching roughly 22 million monthly active users.
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Island Pharmaceuticals and Burnet Institute
Collaborate to Expand Antiviral Research
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Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched a collaboration with the Burnet Institute to explore new applications for its antiviral molecules, ISLA-101 and Galidesivir, against high-priority viruses including measles, chikungunya, and Ross River. Led by Dr Johanna Fraser, co-inventor of ISLA-101, the program leverages existing data to advance development without new molecule acquisition. The work aligns with national stockpile and biodefense priorities and will generate key data to guide development pathways and strengthen Island’s intellectual property portfolio.
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NanOlogy CEO David J. Arthur Highlights PURCISION™
Intratumoral Therapy for Solid Tumors
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NanOlogy, LLC, led by CEO David J. Arthur, is advancing its PURCISION™ technology to improve treatment of solid tumors by delivering high local concentrations of drugs directly into tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity.
The company is studying three investigational intratumoral drugs across multiple solid tumors and is developing LSAM-Cisplatin for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare pediatric brain tumor, using MRI-guided delivery to bypass the blood-brain barrier.
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Spark Biomedical Secures Northwell Holdings
Investment to Expand OhmBody™
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Spark Biomedical has received investment from Northwell Holdings to grow OhmBody™, its women’s wellness division focused on menstrual health. OhmBody™ uses Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation® (tAN) to provide a safe, non-hormonal, wearable solution for heavy menstrual bleeding. The funding will accelerate commercialization and support broader initiatives leveraging Spark’s Neural Tourniquet™ technology.
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DFW Airport Tops Global Customer Experience Rankings
for Fourth Consecutive Year
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For the fourth year in a row, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has been recognized for excellence in passenger experience. Airports Council International (ACI) World awarded DFW the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Award in the large airport category (over 40 million passengers annually). The ASQ program evaluates airports globally based on more than 50 performance indicators, including wayfinding, cleanliness, check-in efficiency, ambience, and shopping and dining.
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DLR Group Expands Presence Across Texas
to Support Growing Communities
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DLR Group, a 100% employee-owned global design firm, is continuing its strategic expansion in Texas with a larger Houston office and the recently launched Fort Worth studio. With offices now in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, the firm is strengthening its presence across the state’s fastest-growing markets, providing local clients with access to the full resources of a national and international design practice.
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Hamilton Partners with Ultima Genomics to
Automate High-Throughput Sequencing
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Hamilton has teamed up with Ultima Genomics to automate sample preparation and amplification for Ultima’s high-throughput sequencing systems via the Microlab® STAR™ platform. The partnership streamlines workflows, reduces hands-on time, and enables labs to scale sequencing efficiently. By pairing Hamilton’s automation expertise with Ultima’s sequencing technology, the collaboration tackles key bottlenecks in production-scale genomics, improving reproducibility, efficiency, and accelerating scientific discovery worldwide.
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Higginbotham Partners with Monarch Solutions
to Expand Estate and Tax Planning
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Higginbotham, a Texas-based, employee-owned insurance and financial services firm, has partnered with Monarch Solutions, a specialist in insurance-based strategies for high-net-worth clients. The partnership enhances Higginbotham’s estate and tax planning capabilities while providing Monarch with operational support, advanced tools, and access to the resources of a larger, employee-owned firm.
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PHCbi Launches LiCellGrow™ to Advance
Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing
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PHCbi, a global provider of laboratory and cell cultivation solutions, has launched LiCellGrow™, a new cell expansion system for research use in Japan and select countries. The system continuously monitors key indicators of cell metabolism and automatically adjusts culture conditions, helping researchers improve efficiency, cell quality, and reduce manufacturing costs in cell and gene therapy development.
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UNT Health Researchers Address Substance Use in
People with Developmental Disabilities
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Researchers at UNT Health Fort Worth have published a review on substance use disorder (SUD) in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), highlighting gaps in clinical standards and provider training. While substance use is lower among adults with IDD, those affected face higher SUD risk and often co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The team aims to develop evidence-based tools and guidelines to improve screening, individualized care, and treatment outcomes, starting in Texas with potential national adoption.
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UTA Student Selected for NNSA Graduate Fellowship
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David Reynoso, an aerospace engineering Ph.D. student at The University of Texas at Arlington, has been selected for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program. The fellowship will place him in Washington, D.C., overseeing research funding for national nuclear security initiatives. Reynoso’s research focuses on laser-based ultrasound to detect microscopic damage in aluminum alloys used in naval applications, improving reliability and safety in high-performance systems.
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UT Dallas Launches Startup Founders Award
to Support Student Entrepreneurs
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The University of Texas at Dallas has launched a new Startup Founders Award to help students turn business ideas into ventures, supported by the Draper Foundation. The program is open to student startups connected to the innovation and entrepreneurship programs at the Naveen Jindal School of Management. The inaugural cohort includes 10 student-founded companies from across the university. Participants take part in weekly workshops, complete venture milestones, and receive mentorship from industry professionals while developing their startups.
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UT Southwestern Welcomes Renowned Researcher
for Cancer Resistance Research
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Jean-Laurent Casanova, MD, PhD
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Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have used whole exome sequencing to identify genetic causes of food allergies for the first time.
The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found that nearly 40% of patients with multiple food allergies carry rare loss-of-function mutations in genes such as FLG, which protects the skin barrier and prevents allergen entry. The findings suggest that more comprehensive genetic testing could improve diagnosis and treatment of food allergies, particularly for patients with multiple sensitivities or non-European ancestry, offering a pathway toward personalized care.
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Morgan Stanley Supports Early-Stage Innovators Driving Impact
Application closes March 31, 2026
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Morgan Stanley provides capital and resources to early-stage startups and nonprofits that are developing solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Ideal candidates are seed- to Series A–stage ventures with a market-ready product and measurable impact in areas such as the environment, health and wellbeing, economic empowerment, or education and human capital.
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The Prototype Fund: Bring Your Innovation to Life
Application closes May 1, 2026
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The Prototype Fund helps established startups transform customer insights into a working prototype or minimum viable product. This program supports innovators ready to take their technology from concept to reality within a year, helping validate ideas, advance intellectual property, and bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization.
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Startup Prize: Health
Application closes May 15, 2026
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Startup Prize: Health is now accepting registrations from early-stage health and medical startups nationwide.
Part competition, part conference, and part entrepreneurial support platform, Startup Prize: Health connects founders with experienced mentors, practical guidance, and investor and ecosystem connections. Through qualifying events, founders pressure-test their business, get clarity on regulatory and reimbursement questions, and prepare for the next stage of growth. Founders compete in two tracks for a $10,000 cash prize, and no equity is taken.
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NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA)
for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
Program ends January 8, 2027
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The purpose of this Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions is to support small scale research grants at institutions that do not receive substantial funding from the NIH, with an emphasis on providing biomedical research experiences primarily for undergraduate students, and enhancing the research environment at applicant institutions.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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Prevention RFA Release 27.1
Join Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) for an upcoming webinar announcing the release of three Request for Applications (RFAs) for the Prevention Program and an overview of these funding opportunities.
March 17th | Virtual
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WIB-North Texas: Chapter Launch Reception
Join Women In Bio to celebrate the launch of their new North Texas chapter. Meet the founding team, hear about upcoming programs, and learn how you can get involved.
March 24th | Dallas, TX
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BioMed Career Fest
BioMed Career Fest brings together life science graduate trainees to explore career paths, hear from industry experts, practice elevator pitches, and learn about future internship and career opportunities.
March 27th | San Antonio, TX
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Frontiers of BrainHealth
Join the Center for BrainHealth to explore how changes in brain network connections across the lifespan relate to aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
March 27th | Dallas, TX
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Convergence AI Dallas
Join Dallas Regional Chamber for a two-day conference and hear about the latest trends and innovations in AI.
March 30th - 31st | Irving, TX
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Texas Life Sciences Summit
Join THBI to explore explore the factors driving the growth of the life sciences ecosystem in Texas, facilitate collaborations across the industry, and advance the economic impact of innovation.
March 31st - April 1st | Austin, TX
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BioNTX CEO Gina Ford Talks Biotech Growth in North Texas
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BioNTX CEO Gina Ford recently joined an interview on KRLD NewsRadio 1080 to discuss the growth of the bioscience and healthcare innovation ecosystem in North Texas. She highlighted BioNTX’s role in connecting universities, startups, investors, and healthcare organizations to support emerging biotech companies.
Ford also noted that many early-stage companies in the region are developing new therapies, diagnostics, and medical technologies, while growing investor interest and a strong talent pipeline continue to support the region’s expanding life sciences industry.
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Thank you for your support!
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