ScienceBoard.net, which will be providing onsite coverage of the convention in San Diego, spoke with Rich Masters, chief public affairs and marketing officer for BIO, about the networking, partnering, and education opportunities at this year's convention.

"The reason conventions can happen in person again is because of our companies. This is like an amazing victory lap for science in the U.S.," Masters said. "It's going to be one of the largest gatherings of investors and science, with BIO [serving] as a matchmaker between these partners."

San Diego is a hub for biotech research and innovation, and the BIO International Convention will feature more than 100 interactive sessions across four days covering a variety of therapeutic areas. Seven-time Grand Slam tennis singles champion Venus Williams is the keynote and will discuss her experience as a patient advocate, having been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder Sjögren's syndrome.

Masters highlighted the fact that BIO is not only the world's largest biotechnology trade association but is also the largest advocacy group representing over 1,000 member companies, state biotech organizations, as well as academic and research institutions, advocating for public policies that represent the best interests of its membership.

"We are an advocacy organization based in Washington, DC, and we work with chapters all over the U.S.," said Masters, who called BIO a powerful lobby working to "make sure public policy does not get in the way" of scientific breakthroughs.

Visit the convention website and watch the video below to learn more.