Georgia Life Sciences Announces 2026 Golden Helix Award Honorees

Award recipients will be recognized at the Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on August 25

 

ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia Life Sciences today announced the recipients of the 2026 Golden Helix Awards, recognizing the individuals, organizations, partnerships, and investments that are advancing innovation, improving patient care, strengthening Georgia's economy, and shaping the future of the state's life sciences ecosystem.

 

The honorees will be celebrated during the Georgia Life Sciences Summit Welcome Reception and Golden Helix Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, August 25, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, kicking off Georgia's premier gathering of life sciences leaders ahead of the Summit on Wednesday, August 26.

 

"For nearly two decades, the Golden Helix Awards have celebrated the people and organizations whose vision, collaboration, and commitment continue to elevate Georgia as a global leader in life sciences," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "This year's recipients represent the extraordinary innovation taking place across our state—from groundbreaking research and transformative investments to workforce development and community impact. We are proud to recognize their achievements and the lasting difference they are making for patients, our economy, and the future of healthcare."

 

2026 Golden Helix Award Honorees

 

Phoenix Award

· Micron Biomedical & Emory University – Industry-Academic Partnership

 

Innovation Awards

· Dr. Kyle Johnsen, University of Georgia

· Focused Cryo (Dr. Yogi Patel, Co-Founder & CEO)

 

Community Awards

· Angela Gill Nelms, Biolocity

· Frugal Science Academy

· Jessica King Holden, Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair

· Dr. Marlo Vernon, Augusta University

 

Deal of the Year Awards

 

Economic Development

· UCB & Rowen Foundation

· Shriners Children's Research Institute, Georgia Tech & Emory University

 

Acquisition

· LymphaTech & Tactile Medical

· Avanos Medical

 

Financing

· Altesa BioSciences

 

Federal Grant

· HEAL: Healthy Ameliorated Lymphatics, Georgia Institute of Technology

· Manus & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (HHS/ASPR)

 

Emerging Leader of the Year

· Dr. Ryan Devine, Medical Innovation Hub, Georgia Tech

 

Legislator of the Year

· Rep. Matt Dubnik (R-29)

 

Teacher of the Year

· Ana White, DeKalb High School of Technology North at Cross Keys

 

The Golden Helix Awards recognize excellence across Georgia's life sciences ecosystem, honoring breakthrough scientific discoveries, strategic partnerships, commercial achievements, community leadership, and investments that strengthen the state's position as a national leader in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, research, and advanced manufacturing.

 

The awards ceremony serves as the opening event of the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit, bringing together executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders, and academic institutions from across the state to celebrate innovation and explore opportunities shaping the future of Georgia's life sciences industry.

 

The Georgia Life Sciences Summit will take place on Wednesday, August 26, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, featuring nationally recognized speakers, executive panels, CEO spotlights, networking opportunities, and the Solutions Corridor showcasing organizations driving the industry's continued growth.

 

To learn more about the Georgia Life Sciences Summit or to register, visit https://www.galifesciences.org/summit.

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One of the biggest benefits of becoming a Georgia Life Sciences Student Member is access to discounted registration for Georgia's premier life sciences conference—bringing together CEOs, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the state. Better yet, Student Membership is only $25 per year , making it one of the best investments you can make in your future. The Georgia Life Sciences Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is the official student membership community of Georgia Life Sciences, created to connect students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals with Georgia's thriving life sciences ecosystem. As an ELN member, you'll build meaningful peer-to-peer relationships, engage with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and gain access to professional development programs designed to help you launch a successful career in the life sciences. As a member, you'll have opportunities to: Connect with fellow students, postdocs, and emerging professionals from across Georgia. Expand your network through peer-to-peer engagement and professional networking events. Learn from industry leaders and gain exposure to Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Participate in workforce and career development programming. Access Career Connections Student members also receive exclusive access to the Georgia Life Sciences Career Connections LinkedIn Group , where you can: Discover internships and job opportunities. Connect with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals. Stay informed about career fairs, networking events, and workforce initiatives. Engage with a growing community of future life sciences leaders. Student Member Benefits Georgia Life Sciences Student Membership: $25/year Georgia Life Sciences Summit Registration: $150 Access to the Emerging Leaders Network Career Connections LinkedIn Group Networking events and professional development opportunities Industry news, workforce resources, and member communications Whether you're exploring careers in biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, digital health, or research, Georgia Life Sciences connects you to the people and opportunities that can help shape your future. Join today . Build your network. Advance your career.
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July 24, 2026
July 24, 2026, Atlanta, GA - Georgia Life Sciences applauds Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) for introducing the Biotechnology Diplomacy Leadership Act , legislation designed to strengthen America's leadership in biotechnology by establishing a senior biotechnology leadership position within the U.S. Department of State. As biotechnology continues to drive breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and national security, the United States must remain a global leader in innovation while strengthening strategic partnerships with allies around the world. The proposed legislation recognizes biotechnology as a critical component of U.S. economic competitiveness and foreign policy and would help ensure that the federal government is well positioned to advance these priorities internationally. The legislation also reflects recommendations from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology , which called for a more coordinated national approach to advancing biotechnology and protecting U.S. leadership in this strategically important sector. "Georgia is home to one of the nation's fastest-growing life sciences ecosystems, and policies that strengthen America's global biotechnology leadership directly benefit innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and patients," said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO of Georgia Life Sciences. "We appreciate Congressman McCormick's leadership in recognizing biotechnology as both an economic engine and a strategic national priority." Georgia Life Sciences looks forward to working with policymakers at both the federal and state levels to advance policies that foster innovation, strengthen the U.S. bioeconomy, and ensure America remains the global leader in biotechnology.
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