WASHINGTON — The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has awarded North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper with its “2020 Governor of the Year Award.”

He received the award virtually at NCBIO’s recent 2020 Annual Meeting.

“Innovations in life sciences are transforming the way we approach treating diseases, environmental sustainability and food production,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina biotechnology companies have led the way to getting us faster diagnostic testing, treatments and new vaccines as we work towards curing and preventing diseases.”

Added  Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, BIO’s president and CEO: “Good public policy and strong leaders are critical to delivering the full promise of biotechnology. We are fortunate to have a partner in Governor Cooper as he works to expand opportunities in the biosciences in the Tar Heel state. His leadership has been instrumental to North Carolina’s role in developing new cures and treatments for patients and building a sustainable future.”

BIO is one of the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations.

BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.