Georgia Life Sciences: Anti-Racism Statement and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Georgia Life Sciences, we believe inclusive excellence is fundamental to advancing innovation, improving health outcomes, and strengthening the life sciences economy. Our mission—to expand access to breakthrough technologies and enhance the well-being of people worldwide—can only be realized when every voice is heard, valued, and respected.
We denounce all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate. Our organization stands firmly against actions or rhetoric that seek to divide based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other identity. These principles are non-negotiable and remain central to our work.
We know that diverse perspectives fuel scientific discovery, business innovation, and workforce resilience. As a statewide, nonpartisan convener, Georgia Life Sciences is committed to fostering a life sciences ecosystem that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
This commitment includes:
- Continual Learning and Accountability: We are committed to listening, adapting, and evolving our practices to ensure fairness, access, and opportunity across our programs and partnerships.
- Expanding Access: We work intentionally to ensure underrepresented voices are included in shaping Georgia’s life sciences future—from workforce development to innovation to policy.
- Collaborative Leadership: We invite our members, partners, and stakeholders to join us in building a more inclusive, equitable, and impactful life sciences community—together.
Inclusive excellence is not a separate initiative—it is a foundational value that informs everything we do.
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.
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.
From breakthrough therapeutics to next-generation medical technologies, tomorrow's innovators take the stage at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, the Startup Showcase will highlight eight of Georgia's most promising early-stage life sciences companies as they present their innovations during the Summit Luncheon on August 26. These emerging companies are tackling some of healthcare's biggest challenges across therapeutics, diagnostics, AI, and medical technology, while demonstrating the depth of innovation taking place throughout Georgia's life sciences ecosystem. Meet the 2026 Startup Showcase Companies: Abundance Biopharma Corporation Athna Biotech Atomistic Insights NovAb Nytricx Oridivus TremeBio YoungHeartValve Following the presentations, each company will participate in a live investor Q&A featuring an exceptional panel of venture leaders: Emily Dinu, Numinous Capital John Gutierrez, Ascenta Capital Dr. Emma Heckenberg, Solas BioVentures Patrick Jordan, NovaQuest Capital Management Tim Opler, Stifel Whether you're an investor looking for the next breakthrough, a corporate leader seeking innovative partners, or simply interested in the future of life sciences, the Startup Showcase offers a front-row seat to the companies poised to shape what's next. Join us August 25–26 at the Georgia Life Sciences Summit and discover the next generation of innovators driving Georgia's life sciences economy.
