BIO 2026 | San Diego

Find Life Science Cares at BIO 2026

From a rooftop reception to our conference session, a Climb for Community training hike, student speed networking, and coffee meetings across the week, Life Science Cares will be showing up throughout BIO 2026 in San Diego.

Life Science Cares 10 year logo
Conference Week
June 22 to June 25, 2026
Main Convention
San Diego Convention Center
How to Connect
Events, coffee meetings, networking
Schedule Meetings
Across the week

Life Science Cares will be all over BIO 2026

Join us throughout the week for mission-driven conversations, community-centered programming, and opportunities to connect with Life Science Cares leaders from across the country. Whether you are looking to attend an event, volunteer your time, or schedule a coffee meeting, we would love to see you in San Diego.

Sidley and Life Science Cares San Diego reception invitation
Monday Event

Sidley & Life Science Cares Reception

  • Date: Monday, June 22
  • Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: The Nolen Rooftop, 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego

This reception brings together Life Science Cares Advisors and Champions from across the organization for an evening of connection during BIO 2026.

If you would like to express interest in attending or connect with the Life Science Cares team around this event, email [email protected].
Conference Session

Beyond the Bench: How Community Investment Strengthens the Life Sciences Industry

Tuesday, June 23, from 11 am to 12 pm
San Diego Convention Center (room TBD), 111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

The life sciences industry is built on innovation and driven by purpose. As competing for talent and earning public trust become critical business drivers, leading life sciences companies are investing beyond the lab to strengthen the communities where they operate. This session explores how strategic partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations are addressing urgent social challenges while strengthening talent pipelines, employee engagement, and corporate reputation. Speakers will share actionable strategies for designing meaningful partnerships, aligning internal culture with external impact, and evaluating outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights and real-world examples for designing community investments that deliver measurable value for both business and society.

Moderated by Sarah MacDonald, CEO, Life Science Cares.

Natasha Bowman

Natasha Bowman

Chief Human Resource Officer, Arcturus Therapeutics

Laure Escoubet

Laure Escoubet

Chief Scientific Officer, Lighthorse Therapeutics

Robert Kamensky

Robert Kamensky

CEO, Feeding San Diego

Andrew Whitehead

Andrew Whitehead

Vice President, Head of Population Health, BMS

Climb for Community logo
Wednesday Morning

Climb for Community Training Hike

Wednesday, June 24, from 7:30 am - 9:00 am
7:00 am Meet at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 2212 Carmel Valley Rd, Del Mar, CA 92014
7:30 am Meet at Torrey Pines North Beach Parking Lot, 1800 McGonigle Rd, San Diego, CA 92014

In 2026, Life Science Cares is launching Climb for Community, a physically demanding, purpose-driven challenge for a select group of life science leaders eager to combine impact, camaraderie, and personal challenge. Participants will join one of two hikes in New Hampshire or Colorado, hike extraordinary trails, take on unforgettable climbs, and collectively work to raise $1,000,000 in support of local communities.

Climb for Community training hike
Volunteer Opportunity

Student Speed Networking - We Need Your Help!

Wednesday, June 24, from 2:30–3:30 PM in Room 6B.
NOTE: You must be registered for the BIO Convention to participate in this event.

Join Life Science Cares for an annual Student Speed Networking as a part of BIO’s Student Experience, and volunteer to speed-network with students from across the country who are interested in careers in the life sciences. Register here to volunteer!

The Student Experience at the BIO International Convention offers the next generation of young professionals interested in biotech a unique opportunity to engage with the convention. Students take part in specialized programming, including the opportunity to network with industry professionals in a “speed networking” format. Volunteers will be matched with small groups of students for quick conversation to share professional backgrounds, answer questions, and build potential connections for students as they navigate their future career options.

Meet the Team

Book a Coffee with LSC Team Members

You can find us around the convention, reach out directly, or send a note to RSVP to [email protected] to schedule a coffee or meeting. Our team will be around from Monday, June 22, until Thursday, June 25, throughout the day.

Sarah MacDonald

Sarah MacDonald

CEO

Life Science Cares

Lianna Kushi

Lianna Kushi

Chief Development Officer

Life Science Cares

Rosie Cunningham

Rosie Cunningham

Executive Director

Life Science Cares Boston

Jenn Parrado

Jenn Parrado

Executive Director

Life Science Cares Philadelphia

Alicia Quinn Kitagawa

Alicia Quinn Kitagawa

Executive Director

Life Science Cares San Diego

Elizabeth Fassberg

Elizabeth Fassberg

Executive Director

Life Science Cares New York

Aisha Baro

Aisha Baro

Bay Area

Life Science Cares Bay Area

Kelley Jo Palatinus

Kelley Jo Palatinus

Director of Development

Life Science Cares San Diego

Cait Butrica

Cait Butrica

Director of Development

Life Science Cares Philadelphia

Connect with us in San Diego

Want to schedule time with Life Science Cares during BIO?

Reach out to our team directly or send a note to [email protected] to coordinate a coffee, meeting, or event connection during the week of BIO 2026.

Team members will be in San Diego from Monday, June 22, through Thursday, June 25.