The SCbio Life + Science Annual Conference, presented in partnership with Quest Diagnostics, is the premier life sciences event in the Southeast. Scheduled for February 18, 2026, at The Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina, this conference brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in the life sciences sector.
Key topics include the transformative impact of mRNA therapies, strategies for workforce development, and the role of global enterprises in regional economic growth. Sessions such as "mRNA: Transforming the Future of Therapeutics" and "Catalyzing Economic Growth in South Carolina’s Life Sciences" will feature experts from organizations like Moderna and the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals.
Attendees can engage in networking opportunities, explore an expo hall showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and hear from notable speakers like Dr. Joseph Scalea, who will discuss innovations in transplantation and healthcare. The conference also offers sessions on funding pathways for startups and insights into attracting international life science companies to South Carolina.
This event is ideal for life sciences professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers seeking to stay informed about industry trends, connect with peers, and discover opportunities for collaboration and growth in South Carolina's thriving life sciences ecosystem.
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Speakers(19)
Alain Litwin
Chief Scientific Officer at Prisma Health
Dr. Alain Litwin is the Chief Scientific Officer at Prisma Health, focusing on addiction medicine and public health initiatives.
Alain Litwin, MD, MPH, MS
Chief Scientific Officer at Prisma Health
Dr. Alain Litwin serves as the chief scientific officer for Prisma Health, providing strategic and operational direction and promoting the success of investigators and academic partners.
Besim Ogretmen
Co-Founder and CEO at Lipo-Immuno Tech, LLC
Dr. Besim Ogretmen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lipo-Immuno Tech, LLC, with over 25 years of experience in sphingolipid signaling and cancer biology.
Besim Ogretmen, Ph.D.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Lipo-Immuno Tech, LLC
Dr. Besim Ogretmen is a nationally and internationally recognized leader with over 25 years of experience in sphingolipid signaling and metabolism in cancer biology, aging and therapeutics.
Daniel Grove
Director of Human Resources at Lonza
Daniel Grove serves as the Director of Human Resources at Lonza, with over 15 years of experience in HR management and leadership.
Daniel Grove, GPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources at Lonza
Daniel Grove is an expert in employee recruitment, retention, staff development, mediation, conflict resolution, benefits and compensation, HR policy development and legal compliance.
Herb Dew
Founder, Chairman and CEO at HTI
Herb Dew is the chief executive officer at HTI, a leading workforce strategy firm that partners with employers to attract, develop and retain top talent.
Janisha P. Thomas
Chief Human Resources Officer at The Ritedose Corporation
Janisha Thomas is the chief human resource officer at The Ritedose Corporation, sharing powerful insights and lessons learned from her leadership journey.
John Balchunas
Workforce Director at National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals
John Balchunas is responsible for guiding strategy around workforce and talent development for a federally funded public-private partnership focused on transforming the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
Jon Baggett
Deputy Director of Global Business Development, FDI at South Carolina Department of Commerce
Jon Baggett oversees South Carolina’s foreign offices and recruitment activities related to attracting foreign direct investment into the state.
Joseph Scalea
Transplant Surgeon at Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Joseph Scalea is a transplant surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina, known for pioneering the first-ever system to transport human organs by drone.
Joseph Scalea, MD, MBA
Transplant Surgeon at Medical University of South Carolina
Dr. Joseph Scalea is a transplant surgeon who has performed over a thousand lifesaving surgeries and pioneered new approaches, including the first-ever system to transport human organs by drone.
Julius Fridriksson
Vice President for Research at University of South Carolina
Dr. Julius Fridriksson is a clinical neuroscientist and Vice President for Research at the University of South Carolina, specializing in brain-language relationships.
Julius Fridriksson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Vice President for Research at University of South Carolina
Dr. Julius Fridriksson is a clinical neuroscientist and internationally recognized leader in the study of brain-language relationships.
Ros Hollingsworth
Medical Head for U.S. IDN Strategy at Moderna
Dr. Rosalind 'Ros' Hollingsworth leads a team at Moderna that shares vaccine data and best practices with healthcare and public health communities across the U.S.
Ros Hollingsworth, Ph.D.
Medical Head for U.S. IDN Strategy at Moderna
Dr. Rosalind "Ros" Hollingsworth leads a team of pharmacists and scientists at Moderna who share vaccine data and best practices with health care, public-health and research communities across the United States.
Scott Olsen
Executive Plant Manager at GE Healthcare
Scott Olsen serves as the executive plant manager for GE HealthCare’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility in Florence, South Carolina.
Subu Ramachandran
President, Southeast Region at Quest Diagnostics
Subu Ramachandran is the President of Quest Diagnostics' Southeast region and delivered the main stage welcome at the 2026 Life + Science Conference.
Tyler Tatum
Program Manager at 3PhaseSC
Tyler Tatum brings more than 25 years of experience in technology-focused startup ventures, including two decades in leadership roles.
Event Details
- Date
- February 18, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Charleston, United States
- The Gaillard Center
- Audience
- Life sciences professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers
- Attendees
- Over 500 attendees from 24 U.S. states