GSSM Names SCbio as 2024 Townes Award Recipient

(left to right) GSSM President Danny Dorsel, SCbio President and CEO James Chappell, GSSM Foundation Executive Director Beth Dinndorf

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (October 6, 2023) – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) has named SCbio as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Townes Award.

SCbio is the only economic development organization in South Carolina exclusively focused on building, advancing and growing the life sciences industry. With more than 180 current members, SCbio is accelerating growth and adding value to promote the Palmetto State’s workforce, policy, marketing, entrepreneurship and business development. GSSM will honor SCbio during the 30^th annual Townes Award Celebration on March 20, 2024 in Columbia, S.C.

“GSSM is thrilled to recognize and honor SCbio with the 2024 Townes Award,” said GSSM President Danny Dorsel. “SCbio’s presence and influence in South Carolina impacts current GSSM students by supporting research opportunities in industry-leading life science laboratories and providing career paths for GSSM graduates when they enter the workforce in South Carolina. As a state resource, GSSM values its partnership with South Carolina leaders like James Chappell and the SCbio team to bolster economic development across our state.”

The Townes Award is named after South Carolina’s Dr. Charles H. Townes, whose pioneering research in quantum electronics led to the invention of the laser. Since 1993, GSSM has presented the prestigious Townes Award to honor individuals, businesses and institutions that have transformed South Carolina and the world.

SCbio lives up to its mission as it strives to build the nation’s most industry-friendly and innovative life sciences ecosystem and business environment to fuel the knowledge economy in the Palmetto State.

“On behalf of the South Carolina life sciences industry, our members and team, I am honored for SCbio to be named the 2024 Townes Award recipient,” said James Chappell, SCbio President and CEO. “While GSSM serves as a cornerstone of quality education in South Carolina, supporting and elevating students and their families, SCbio is committed to helping create quality jobs, improved health, enhanced quality of life, and upward economic mobility for citizens. We appreciate the partnership that SCbio and GSSM have forged and look forward to celebrating this honor at the upcoming Townes Award celebration.”

SCbio members that have hosted GSSM students for research in recent years or have made opportunities available include Clemson University and the Clemson University Department of Bioengineering, KYOCERA AVX, McMillan Pazdan Smith, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Presbyterian College, Santee Cooper's Biological Services, University of South Carolina, VCOM, Vikor Scientific (using an SCRA facility), Western SC Economic Development Partnership, Winthrop University and Zverse.

For more information on GSSM, visit scgssm.org or call 843-383-3900.

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About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

One of the few specialized public residential high schools of its kind, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) exists to push motivated young learners beyond their perceived levels of academic ability. Founded in 1988 under the leadership of the late Governor Carroll Campbell, GSSM has consistently raised the bar for STEM education in the Palmetto State. GSSM’s two-year residential high school program—as well as its virtual high school program, summer camps, and outreach programs—all invite young people to explore the subjects they love in a diverse, inclusive, and uncommonly supportive academic environment. Here, challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. GSSM students embrace the school’s rigorous approach to education and in so doing begin to realize their full potential. Learn more by visiting www.scgssm.org.

About SCbio

SCBIO is the voice and leader of South Carolina life sciences – and is the only economic development organization exclusively focused on building, advancing, and growing the life sciences industry in our state. With more than 1,000 organizations and 87,000 South Carolinians statewide involved in the research, development and commercialization of innovative healthcare, medical device, industrial, environmental, and agricultural biotechnology products, life sciences is a $25.7 billion industry that is focused on improving the quality of life and health for every South Carolinian.