Scholar Mentoring & Development Program for Biotechnology (SMDP Biotech) OUTREACH & PLANNING COMMITTEE
Purpose & Responsibilities The International Center for Professional Development, in partnership with biotechnology and consumer healthcare industry sponsors, will host a training session for the 2025 Scholar Mentoring & Development Program for Biotechnology, (SMDP Biotech).
The year-long mentoring program brings together diverse students (Baccalaureate, Master, PhD or PostDoc) and early career researchers for a professional development training experience June 14-19, 2025. SMDP Biotech Scholars will be paired with industry mentors from biotechnology and consumer healthcare companies. In 2025, each Scholar/Mentor team will be provided the opportunity to attend The BIO International Convention. They work together for one year after the training session to carry out a personalized mentoring plan that helps prepare the SMDP Biotech Scholars for careers in industry.
The Outreach & Planning Committee is responsible for:
Raising awareness of the Scholar Mentoring & Development Program for Biotechnology (SMDP Biotech)
Planning the SMDP Biotech training session
Developing a timeline for all Scholar and Mentor activities
Identifying and providing suggestions for program content
Recruiting SMDP Biotech Scholars and Mentors
Suggesting and recommending speakers
Providing oversight for Scholar selection
Inviting special guests to attend and participate in the SMDP Biotech training session
Promoting the “Annual Celebration of SMDP Biotech” reception by inviting guests to attend
Program evaluation and reporting results to sponsor companies and to the public
Promoting workforce diversity in the biotechnology and consumer healthcare industries
Who serves on this Committee?
A designated chairperson
Up to two staff representatives from each program sponsor organization
Key regional stakeholders from collaborating organizations where the training session will occur, such as universities, associations, government agencies
Former SMDP Biotech Scholars
Elisabeth Valerio, President/CEO, ICPD
Scott May, Executive Director, Executive Director, ICPD
