The Delaware’s DNA: 2025 Life Science Conference returns on Thursday, May 8, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront – Wilmington. Hosted by the Delaware BioScience Association, the event will convene national biotech leaders, investors, startups and researchers for a day of dialogue, discovery and collaboration.

The conference will include a keynote address from Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, a conversation with BIO CEO John Crowley and AstraZeneca US President Joris Silon, the Startup302 life science pitch competition, and the Innovation and Investor Showcase, featuring growth companies and leading industry investors and business development executives.

Two UD-affiliated leaders also will take the stage: Nicole Merli, director of University and industry relations, will lead a fireside chat with Penn Center for Innovation’s John Swartley on bridging university-industry divides to unlock innovation and economic growth. Katie Lakofsky, associate director, bioscience workforce, will moderate a panel on strengthening Delaware’s STEM workforce pipeline through industry-informed training and talent retention initiatives.

This high-profile event showcases the strength of Delaware’s life science ecosystem and reflects the growing partnership between UD and Delaware Bio. UD, along with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI), proudly supports the conference and its role in advancing innovation and connectivity across the sector.

Discover more and register here (UD employees and students receive member discount): https://www.delawarebio.org/page/2025-delawares-dna-life-science-conference.