In these exciting times it is a special challenge but also a pleasure to create something new. We were immediately thrilled when Alexandra Khassidov,  o the managing director of our cooperation partner of the Austrian Association of Molecular Life Sciences and Biotechnology (ÖGMBT) contacted us with the idea of an Austria-wide life science career fair. A joint organization was quickly decided on, whereupon Life Science Austria (LISA) and other Austrian life science clusters such as ecoplus, LISAvienna and Standortagentur Tirol were also convinced of the initiative. As a result, a 20% discount on the participation fee could be offered to all cluster members. The up-and-coming young company TLL and the K2 competence centre ACIB as well as all the other exhibitors will be providing insights into their work on the ÖGMBT homepage until the end of March 2021.

Virtual format - high reach

The kick-off event took place during the annual ÖGMBT annual conference at the end of September with approximately 250 visitors. The conference, which originally took place in Graz in 2020, was already switched "to digital" in spring. The virtual format was used for the "Life Science Career Fair" to connect companies and interested life scientists from all over Austria. With "VirtualExpo" a suitable system was quickly found. By using the English language and a livestream on YouTube, international visitors were also welcomed.

Exhibitors from all over Austria

We were delighted to welcome two of our cooperation partners, The Longevity Labs (TLL) and the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB), as exhibitors. Major companies such as Takeda, Erber Group and Lohmann & Rauscher could be be gained as national driving forces. The Styrian human technology cluster was also able to present itself at a LISA joint stand. Other exhibiting companies included Hookipa Biotech GmbH, Life Science Career Services, LBG Career Center, MSD Animal Health, Phoenestra GmbH, Polymun Scientific & Ribbon Biolabs.

Career opportunities in life sciences

At the launch event of the career fair, a 2-hour session highlighted the various career opportunities in the life sciences on September 23rd.. Our employee & business developer for digitization Pascal Mülner, had the honour of welcoming 3 renowned personalities as moderator: Karin Schaupp (Intern. Innovation and Business Consulting), Eva Binder (Erber AG) and Joachim Seipelt (Nuvonis Technologies) gave insights into theirs moving career paths. After the presentation, the exhibitors were invited to give a short introduction to their work. The entire kick-off session is available for viewing on the ÖGMBT YouTube Channel.