Pegasus Park Welcomes NCTM2: Advancing Biomanufacturing & Workforce Growth
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(from left to right) Logan Ardrey, Arum Han, PhD, MS,
Baley Reeves, PhD, and Andrew Syvyk, PhD, MS
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Texas A&M University has announced the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing Satellite Campus (NCTM2) at Pegasus Park in Dallas. This expansion aims to establish NCTM2 as a hub for research and workforce development in biomanufacturing. Occupying over 5,000 square feet within the 135,000-square-foot Bridge Labs facility, NCTM2 will foster innovation and collaboration among biotech entities in North Texas.
Dr. Robert Bishop, director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering, emphasized its significance: "This center will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and workforce development for the biomedical industry in North Texas and as a beacon of innovation and collaboration."
The collaboration between Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Arlington's Institute of Biomanufacturing and Precision Medicine (IMPRINT) highlights the region's commitment to advancing biomanufacturing. This partnership will enhance the local bioscience ecosystem, provide hands-on training, and drive economic growth.
BioNTX, North Texas' leading bioscience and healthcare innovation trade organization, celebrates this as a testament to the region's resilience and innovation. NCTM2 aligns with BioNTX's mission to foster collaboration and accelerate life sciences advancements. By merging academic excellence with industry expertise, North Texas continues to strengthen its position as a thriving biotech hub.
Beyond research and innovation, NCTM2 is expected to create job opportunities in biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and related fields. Developing a skilled workforce and attracting investment will solidify North Texas as a leader in life sciences.
The center was made possible in part by a gift from Lyda Hill Philanthropies, recognizing the importance of workforce development in building a strong biotech ecosystem.
The launch of NCTM2 at Pegasus Park signifies a milestone in biomanufacturing research and education, exemplifying the dynamic growth and collaboration pushing North Texas to the forefront of bioscience innovation.
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BioNTX Celebrating International Women's Day
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In celebration of International Women’s Day, join us March 7th at Pegasus Park. This year’s event features an exceptional lineup of speakers, including our keynote speaker, Sharina Perry, Founder & CEO of Utopia Plastix.
A visionary entrepreneur, Sharina is revolutionizing sustainability with cutting-edge, plant-based alternatives to harmful polymers—paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Beyond the keynote, you’ll hear from other remarkable women leaders and innovators who are driving breakthroughs in biotechnology, healthcare, and life sciences. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired!
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Fueling Growth: Industry Leaders & Community Partners Unite to Shape North Texas’ Future!
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The Biotechnology & Healthcare Industry Alliance of North Texas (BHIANT) is committed to fostering a thriving biotechnology and healthcare ecosystem that drives innovation, creates opportunities, and empowers communities across the forefront of life sciences.
Biotech and healthcare leaders alike gathered to discuss the opportunities for growth with community partners. Their discussions touched on topics such as shaping workforce, spreading awareness on policies affecting the industry, and how to support a growing ecosystem. Biotech industry champions also gave an update on the current cohort of students in the Pharmaceutical CGMP Foundations training course.
The 2025 Employer Survey is now live! If your company is hiring or will be in the near future, please take a few moments to complete this survey—your input will directly influence workforce initiatives designed to support your hiring needs.
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Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ IF/THEN Initiative
Partner to Spotlight Women in STEM
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Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ IF/THEN Initiative has partnered with Hello Sunshine, a Candle Media-owned production company, to develop a slate of scripted and unscripted films and TV series highlighting women and girls in STEM. Announced on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, this multi-year collaboration will also include social campaigns, educational programming, and experiential activations to amplify the impact of these projects.
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New York Stock Exchange Announces
Texas Based Stock Exchange
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Governor Greg Abbott today applauded the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), a subsidiary of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), for its plans to establish NYSE Texas, a fully electronic equities exchange based in Dallas. As part of this move, NYSE: ICE announced the reincorporation of NYSE Chicago in Texas and its renaming to NYSE Texas, pending regulatory approval.
Governor Abbott met with NYSE: ICE Founder, Chairman, and CEO Jeffrey Sprecher, along with NYSE Group President Lynn Martin, to discuss the launch of NYSE Texas and the economic opportunities it will bring to Texas and global markets.
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CPRIT Expands Funding to
Accelerate Cancer Research
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The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has approved 53 new grants to accelerate cancer research and innovation across the state. These funds will support a range of initiatives, including CPRIT Scholar recruitment, collaborative core facilities, and critical cancer clinical trials.
Among the latest awards, the Oversight Committee approved six recruitment grants to bring top-tier cancer researchers to Texas. These experts will spearhead groundbreaking projects in childhood and adolescent cancer, cell biology, and computational oncology, further strengthening Texas’ role as a leader in cancer research and treatment.
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Small Business Drives Nearly Half of New Job Growth
in Tarrant County
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New businesses played a major role in Tarrant County’s job growth, accounting for nearly 47% of all new jobs, according to a recent report from Sparkyard. The analysis found that businesses less than a year old generated 27,021 jobs, representing about 3% of total employment. These startups showcase their role in driving economic growth. The report emphasizes that entrepreneurship is a key factor in economic recovery, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions.
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DeSoto Recognized for their Dynamic Business Environment
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The City of DeSoto and the DeSoto Development Corporation have been honored with the City/EDC of the Year Award at The DEC Network’s 10th Annual State of Entrepreneurship Awards in Dallas.
This esteemed recognition highlights DeSoto’s dedication to cultivating a thriving business environment, advancing economic development initiatives, and fostering innovation. Through strategic collaborations, impactful programs, and a commitment to sustainable growth, the City of DeSoto and the DeSoto Development Corporation remain key drivers in shaping the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
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The BioNTX Career Expo & HR Forum: Connecting Job Seekers & Employers in Biotech - March 27th
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The BioNTX Career Expo & HR Forum is a premier event designed to bridge the gap between biotech talent and industry employers. Taking place on March 27th, this forum provides job seekers with direct access to leading life sciences companies, while HR professionals gain insights into workforce trends, talent acquisition strategies, and the evolving biotech job market. Whether you're looking for your next career move or seeking top talent, this event is a must-attend for the North Texas biotech community.
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"Breaking Down PDUFA: Key Insights & Strategic Pathways"
at The BioNTX’s Legal Forum
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Dive into the complexities of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) at BioNTX’s inaugural Legal Forum on Wednesday, February 26, hosted by Sheppard Mullin.
This is your chance to get expert insights on everything from the basics to predictions for PDUFA VIII negotiations—plus actionable tips on how to effectively navigate these critical discussions in the life sciences industry.
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Rare Disease Day: Amplifying Awareness, Inspiring Change
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Rare Disease Day is an internationally recognized observance dedicated to raising awareness about rare diseases and the unique challenges faced by individuals and families affected by them. In the U.S., one in every 10 people lives with a rare disease, and globally, more than 300 million individuals are impacted.
Too often, these individuals and their families face isolation and uncertainty in their medical journeys. Rare Disease Day, observed on the last day of February—this year on February 28th—serves as a powerful global initiative to raise awareness, foster understanding, and generate support for those navigating rare diseases.
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Dallas Based Innovators Treating Pain
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Cacti is a biotech company pioneering FDA-approved, first-in-class "Nociplastigens" to treat chronic pain, inflammation, and opioid use disorder. Driven by an interdisciplinary approach, our team is dedicated to understanding the psychological drivers of pain and delivering transformative therapies to the patients who need them most.
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Aakha Biologics Publishes Novel Therapeutic
for Non-Small Lung Cancer
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Aakha Biologics is investigating an antibody therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with concurrent KRAS/LKB1 mutations, which are generally resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The authors explore the potential of Aakha’s engineered monoclonal antibody, AHA-1031, which enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by preventing the shedding of MICA/B while stabilizing its expression on tumor cells. Aakha is pleased to announce that the work has been selected as one of the four featured articles in the January publication of JITC.
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Alloy Therapeutics and Pfizer Collaborate
on New Antibody Discovery Platform
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Alloy Therapeutics Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with Pfizer Inc. to develop a new platform aimed at enhancing antibody discovery against challenging targets. The partnership builds on Alloy’s ATX-GxTM platform, which Pfizer has used for several years. Under the agreement, Alloy will receive an upfront payment and potential milestone payments as the platform progresses from preclinical to commercial stages.
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AI and Lantern Pharma: Pioneering a
New Era in Drug Development
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Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is reshaping the landscape of drug development, enabling faster, more precise, and cost-effective solutions. Lantern Pharma, a Texas-based biotech company, is at the forefront of this transformation. CEO Panna Sharma emphasizes the power of A.I. in driving innovation: "We’ve developed half a dozen drugs, with three in clinical trials. One targets a unique population of non-small cell lung cancer in never smokers."
A.I. is not only accelerating the development of new therapies but also optimizing treatment targeting, allowing for more personalized and effective cancer care. This technology is a game-changer, offering promising solutions for complex diseases that were once difficult to treat.
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Panna Sharma,
See Panna at the Dallas Roadshow
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Building Brains in North Texas
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HKS is proud to launch the Building Brains Coalition, a pioneering initiative that unites built environment professionals with experts in neuroscience, psychology, climate science, and public health.
Rooted in the growing recognition that brain health is fundamental to human potential and societal advancement, this coalition brings together five leading organizations: The Center for BrainHealth, the Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation (CADRE), HKS, the Brain Capital Alliance, and Rice University’s Baker Institute Neuro-Policy Program. Through this collaboration, the coalition aims to reshape how we design environments to enhance cognitive well-being and resilience.
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Spark Biomedical Launches Groundbreaking Study on Motion Sickness with Air Force
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Spark Biomedical, a global leader in wearable neurostimulation technology, is spearheading an innovative study to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN®) in reducing spatial disorientation and motion sickness among military personnel.
Backed by a Defense Health Agency RESTORAL grant and led by the Air Force’s 59th Medical Wing, this research aims to address critical challenges affecting military performance and safety, paving the way for advanced solutions in operational readiness.
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Tarleton State University Launches Center for Rural Resilience
to Support Texas' Agricultural and Rural Communities
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Tarleton State University is proud to announce the establishment of the Center for Rural Resilience, a collaborative initiative between the College of Health Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and agricultural communities in Texas, with a focus on improving healthcare access, mental health, and fostering sustainable growth for the future.
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UT Arlington Research Institute: Innovating
Solutions to Real-World Challenges
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The UT Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) is a multidisciplinary research organization dedicated to advancing technology and knowledge across various fields. A hidden gem, UTARI harnesses intellect, curiosity, and innovation to solve real-world problems. Constantly engaged in new experiments and developments, the institute plays a key role in creating solutions that benefit the community, positioning itself as a dynamic hub of innovation and progress.
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UTA Professor Receives NSF CAREER Award
for Coastal Flood Risk Research
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Dr. Michelle Hummel, an associate professor of civil engineering, has received the NSF’s prestigious CAREER award to advance her research on coastal flood risk management. The award will support Dr. Hummel’s collaboration with local and regional officials to improve adaptation strategies for mitigating flooding. Her research will use modeling to explore how regional coordination influences flood risks, helping communities create more effective, collaborative solutions for resilience against rising sea levels and flooding.
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New Interim Leadership at UNT Health Science Center
at Fort Worth Announced
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Dr. Kirk Calhoun, an accomplished healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in academic medicine and healthcare administration, has been appointed as the Interim President of the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth, where he will bring his extensive background in medical education, healthcare operations, and community health to continue the institution's mission of innovation and excellence. His leadership is expected to guide UNTHSC through this important transition as the center advances its reputation for cutting-edge research, education, and patient care.
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UT Southwestern Biomedical Leader Joins
National Academy of Engineering
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Dr. Samuel Achilefu, Ph.D., inaugural Chair of Biomedical Engineering at UT Southwestern Medical Center and an internationally recognized leader in the fields of molecular imaging of cancer and nanotherapeutics, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), marking a significant milestone as the first faculty member from UT Southwestern to receive this prestigious honor. This distinction is widely regarded as one of the highest professional accolades bestowed on an engineer, acknowledging Dr. Achilefu's groundbreaking contributions to the field, including his pioneering work in cancer-avid materials, wearable cancer-imaging technology, and innovative fluorescence-based imaging techniques.
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Exclusive Deal on Cell & Gene Therapy
Courses for BioNTX Members
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Biotech Primer is offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal on their Cell & Gene Therapy Primer classes exclusively for BioNTX members!
- Cell Therapy Primer: Gain a comprehensive introduction to cell therapy development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Explore the scientific benefits and challenges of autologous and allogeneic cell therapies.
- Gene Therapy Primer: Dive into the scientific principles and regulatory intricacies of DNA manipulation to treat rare diseases. Learn about viral vectors, and discover how to select the perfect vector for each unique application.
The deal ends on April 1, 2025
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FUNDING & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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Texas A&M New Ventures Competition
Application Due February 28, 2025
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A big idea can change everything, but the journey from concept to marketplace can be challenging. Without the necessary resources to gain traction even the most promising idea can wither on the vine.
Texas A&M Innovation and The Texas A&M University System, along with a growing number of sponsors are working with the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the state to ensure today’s innovative ideas become a reality through the Texas A&M New Ventures Competition (TNVC). Aimed at promoting the commercialization of emerging technology, the competition recognizes companies with high-growth potential and provides seed funding to help them effectively execute their ideas and advance product development.
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The Langer Prize for Innovation
and Entrepreneurial Excellence
Application Due March 17, 2025
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In honor of Bob Langer’s pioneering spirit, each recipient of a Langer Prize will be awarded an unrestricted grant up to $100,000 as seed funding, which will enable them to pursue “blue-sky” ideas that may lead to significant innovations. Recipients will become part of a network of Langer Fellows, with access to, and support from, some of the industry’s foremost experts in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The purpose of this grant is to encourage creative individuals to follow an entrepreneurial path, creating a cadre of young researchers skilled in tackling high-risk, high-impact challenges within a wide-range of industries. The Prize aims to support individuals in the early stages of their independent careers, provides an unrestricted grant to enable creative researchers and engineering entrepreneurs to tackle high-risk, high-impact challenges with the potential of achieving game-changing innovations.
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NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
Program ends May 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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Funding and Building Your Life Science Company
Join Life Science Oklahoma for an insightful discussion with local and national experts on the best practices for funding and growing your life science company. This free event will take place at Innovation Hall.
February 25th | Oklahoma City, OK
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The BioNTX Legal Forum - Breakfast Briefing
Join BioNTX for breakfast and an engaging Continuing Legal Education (CLE) hosted by Sheppard Mullin at their Dallas office. Explore Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) basics, small business exemptions, predictions for PDUFA VIII negotiations, and practical strategies for successful participation. Expand your knowledge and connect with peers in our industry.
February 26th | Dallas, TX
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Dallas Lunch and Learn: Go-To-Market
Strategies for Startup Success
Join MassChallenge to learn strategies for startup success, offering valuable insights to help you launch and scale your business. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and gain practical knowledge.
February 26th | Dallas, TX
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Lantern Pharma Investor Luncheon
Join Lantern Pharma for an exclusive investor luncheon with CEO Panna Sharma on AI-driven oncology and the future of personalized cancer treatment. Learn how precision medicine and machine learning are accelerating targeted therapy development.
February 26th | Dallas, TX
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Invest: DFW 2025 Launch Conference
Join Capital Analytics Associates to connect and hear from leaders in Dallas-Forth Worth who will be providing their insights into the key issues impacting the region at our highly anticipated conference and networking event. This 300-person event, hosted at Esports Stadium, includes ample networking opportunities, food and drink, and insightful panel discussions.
February 27th | Arlington, TX
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Pegasus Park Speaker Series
Join us at Pegasus Park to learn about Dr. David Fajgenbaum's groundbreaking work to find new uses for existing medicines, using cutting-edge AI to uncover treatments for diseases that currently lack effective options.
February 27th | Dallas, TX
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How will smaller, smarter deals help life sciences companies shape the future with confidence?
Join EY's panel of industry leaders as we explore the findings from our 13th annual EY M&A Firepower report, "How will smaller, smarter deals help life sciences companies shape the future with confidence?" As their report will tell you, the industry has shifted from large deals to smaller, more agile ones.
February 28th | Dallas, TX
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CPRIT Grantee Essentials - Prevention Grantee Training
Join CPRIT for a redesigned and interactive webinar that will help current grantees successfully navigate compliance and reporting requirements. The training will include an overview of common reporting errors, relevant administrative rule changes, interactive exercises, and a Q&A with staff.
March 5th | Dallas, TX
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2025 Research Symposium
Join Cook Children's for their Research Symposium, which celebrates and acknowledges the research activities happening under the blue peaks. This event will highlight innovative research studies that have been conducted across the Cook Children’s Health Care System by various investigators.
March 7th | Dallas, TX
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Women Driving Innovation
Join BioNTX in celebrating International Women’s Day as we honor the women shaping innovation. The Women Driving Innovation program highlights these trailblazers and offers a chance to connect with the leaders shaping the future of North Texas life sciences.
March 7th | Dallas, TX
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BIO BREAK: Fort Worth's Life Sciences Happy Hour
Join BioNTX, RSM, Haynes Boone and UTA for a special happy hour dedicated to the life science community—where ideas flourish, partnerships grow, and collaboration thrives. Reconnect with colleagues, spark new relationships, and toast to the shared passion that drives us forward, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with the spirit of the season.
March 11th | Fort Worth, TX
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2025 Career Expo & HR Forum
Join BioNTX for our Career Expo to connect with industry professionals and recruiters who can help advance your career in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Our HR Forum will be a series of targeted sessions designed to help biotech employers navigate the complexities of workforce management.
March 27th | Dallas, TX
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Thank you for your Membership & Support!
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