After many Biosciences Initiative activities were paused in 2020 and 2021, BSI leaders were thrilled to host an in-person Biosciences Community Celebration in September 2021. This event provided an opportunity to recognize the substantial accomplishments and efforts from our research community, as they pushed through the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this event, we formally welcomed and heard presentations from two new directors of BSI Scientific Research Initiatives: Peter Riech, Ph.D., of the Institute of Global Change Biology and Aubree Gordon, Ph.D., of the Michigan Center for Infectious Disease Threats.

The event also allowed us to publicly congratulate our inaugural Michigan Biosciences Faculty Award Recognition (MBioFar) scholars: Dana Dolinoy, Ph.D; Aubree Gordon, Ph.D.; and Daniel Rabosky Ph.D. Although the scholars were selected in March 2020, COVID-19 community health restrictions prevented us from hosting an in-person celebration of their achievements until this event.

Finally, we recognized the work of the Biosciences Initiative Coordinating Committee (BICC), who have been so instrumental in the success of the BSI as our initiative launched and navigated the pandemic. We welcomed the new members who joined the BICC in July, and we were honored to have long-time and new BICC members join for the event.

Watch the 2021 Community Celebration