Collaboration and Research’s “Secret Sauce” Takes Center Stage at the 2026 Charlotte Regional Biomedical Sciences Symposium
Written By: The Division of Research
On Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, UNC Charlotte’s Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center hosted the 2026 Biomedical Sciences Symposium at the Dubois Center. The event kicked off North Carolina Life Sciences Week with opening remarks from John Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research at UNC Charlotte, and Dante’ Anderson, District 1 Council Member for the City of Charlotte.
During the expert panel session titled Innovation and Growth in North Carolina’s Biomedical Ecosystem, panelists shared insights on the investments needed to strengthen the state’s biomedical ecosystem over the next five to 10 years. Key priorities included access to potential funding, a strong talent pipeline and a willingness among researchers, industry leaders and organizations to support one another.
Mary Lou Bourne, senior regional innovation network director for Charlotte at NCInnovation, highlighted UNC Charlotte when discussing the “secret sauce” behind a successful research project.
“Competitive UNC Charlotte faculty grant application rates. Being awarded the NSF Engines Grant is an enormous accomplishment and will help propel other research endeavors,” Bourne said.
Hillary Crittendon, chief of staff and vice president of innovation district operations at Advocate Health, offered additional ingredients for success, including winning startups, well-prepared elevator pitches and compelling storytelling that captures investors’ attention.
The symposium brought together nearly 400 registrants representing 11 states and six countries. Seven schools were represented during the lightning poster presentations, including eighth-grade twin sisters Aathmika and Avanthika Thanigai of TERLA Institute.
Nearly 110 companies, agencies and institutions were also in attendance.
“We have officially grown from regional to international,” said Megan Mitchem, coordinator for the Symposium and industry liaison for the Center for Biomedical and Engineering Sciences. “And we have outgrown the Dubois Center.”
The Division of Research-sponsored symposium showcased the breadth of biomedical research and collaborative science, highlighting UNC Charlotte’s continued recognition, ranking second for new patents filed and third for startup companies.
See the presentation winners on the Klein College of Science’s website.
