Tonight you've already heard about some of the bioethical issues we face, the need for women's voices to be included in the debate, and some of the specifics about how the Women's Bioethics Project will function. I'd like to take a few minutes to talk about the impact of new advances in biotech, as regards WBP, and why this new think tank is extremely important to the industry I work in.
I have been involved in medical research and the biotech community for two decades. I started as a postdoc in the labs of Nobel laureates Dr. Ed Krebs and Dr. Ed Fischer, here at the University of Washington. I went on to co-found CEPTYR, a local biotechnology firm that is developing drugs to treat diabetes and obesity.
Biotech has made tremendous progress over the last 25 years, and most scientists and industry leaders believe we've just begun to see the promise of this industry. We are beginning to combine biology with other major sciences and industries to create new products and services. Biology is converging with nanotechnology, chip technology, information technology, new materials, chemistry, and engineering. These developments will change our lives: in how we take care of ourselves and manage our daily health; in how doctors diagnose and treat patients; and, most significantly, in preventing disease. And just think about how these advances can help reduce healthcare costs.
I believe it is critical for the biotech community to be actively involved in the WBP. As you have already heard tonight, with the innovations I've mentioned come significant ethical challenges. Our thinking about ethical questions has not kept pace with our scientific accomplishments, and the biotech industry has not done a good job in the past of engaging with others outside the scientific community. As a consequence, there is a backlash against biotech; fear and mistrust are often the public reaction to scientific innovation. The industry needs more open dialogue with the public, and we need a common language and forum to address these issues.
I recently went to San Francisco for the Eighth International Biotech Summit, a convention that was attended by 17,000 others from 61 countries. These themes were echoed throughout the conference. From that meeting, I walked away with a keen sense of excitement and the conviction that WBP is aligned perfectly in its timing and mission with the direction of the biotech industry.
I believe this think tank can help biotech. The WBP will be warmly welcomed by biotech because it will promote a thoughtful, multidisciplinary discourse on biotechnology issues. The WBP will bring together scientists and scholars, medical and legal professionals, as well as industry and community leaders-including those of you in the room tonight-to influence public policy and better society.
Now, I'd like to share with you a bit about how we're going to do this, and also tell you a bit more about the founder of the Women's Bioethics Project.
Kathryn Hinsch is the right person to lead this organization. Her political savvy, business experience, and understanding of these issues-and her passion for ensuring that women's priorities and concerns are heard-uniquely qualifies her to assemble this team of scholars and professionals. She has the experience to build the necessary coalitions and communications to ensure the WBP is recognized and heard. This vision you've learned about tonight is the result of many years of Kathryn's work and desire to advance our society and improve our quality of life.
I'll tell you a little story about Kathryn. She has been interested in bioethics for a long time. It was the main topic of our weekly runs around Green Lake. I would give her an update on the latest and greatest in biotech, and she would poke at my ethical standing on these advancements. It was a bit irritating. . . . sometimes I tried running away from her! Then one day, I told her about the sheep, Dolly, the first animal cloned from an adult mammal. Understanding the ramifications of this breakthrough, Kathryn just took off-and kept running: back to her computer, to her books, and all the way to Harvard to devote herself to studying these issues. Kathryn is a good runner—just watch what you say to her when she has an idea and a passion!
In just six short months, she has brought together an impressive advisory group. So far, we've drafted a strategic framework, secured pro bono legal representation thanks to Stoel Rives, developed a website, and hosted this evening's event. Now we are primed to kick off three exciting initiatives. First, we are creating a documentary on stem cell research and genetic testing. Second, we are hosting an international women and bioethics symposium. And third, we are developing an outreach program to opinion leaders that will ensure that women's voices are heard every time a bioethical issue is publicly raised.
We are now seeking the financial support required for these projects. Our goal is to raise a seed fund of $300,000 by September. This fund will provide the means to attract the corporate and foundation support we need to succeed. To help us achieve our goal, we would like your support and ask that you please consider a financial gift this evening. Thanks to the fiscal sponsorship of the Women's Funding Alliance, we do have 501(c)3 status and are able to accept tax-deductible contributions.
We also invite you to join us. In your program is a response card that outlines the many ways you can participate in the Women's Bioethics Project. It also asks you to give the names of others who you think would be interested in learning more, as well as a section to give us your comments. Please hand in your response card on your way out.
Now, I would like to ask Kathryn to say a few final words. Thank you.
Debbie Cool is a biochemist and co-founder of CEPTYR, a Seattle-area company that develops novel drugs to treat diabetes, obesity and cancer.