Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor

Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering, alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs, academia, and start-ups.

Dr. Vertès came to this role after extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology sectors, in Europe, North America, and Asia in different functions including research, manufacturing, partnering, and sales, in pharmaceuticals (Lilly, Pfizer, Roche), petrochemicals (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), public research (Institut Pasteur; RITE/Kyoto), contract research (Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD/BioDuro) and consulting (Australian Strategic Policy Institute). Focusing on innovation commercialization, he was a key player in the evaluation, selection, deal making, implementation, and alliance management of novel products and emerging technologies. For example, he championed radical innovation for bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigm￾changing therapeutics such as siRNA (Scrip Award 2008) and led in a scientific, strategic, and business manner Roche’s global cell therapeutics strategy and implementation team from 2007- 2010.

Dr. Vertès received an M.Sc. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD from the University of Lille Flandres Artois, and is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School (MBA/M.Sc.).
Relevant publications:

Vertès, A. A., Qureshi, N., Caplan, A. I., & Babiss, L. E. (Eds.). (2015). Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies. John Wiley & SonsVertès,

A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692..

Vertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692.

Vertès, A. A. (2015). The potential of cytotherapeutics in hematologic reconstitution and in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Chapter II: Emerging Transformational Cytotherapies. Regenerative Medicine, 10(3), 345-373.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Culme-Seymour, E., Mason, C., Stroemer, P., … & Aras, R. (2015). Turning Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough Ideas and Innovations into Commercial Products. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 21(6), 560-571.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Egloff, M., Snykers, S., Salinas, G. F., … & Kemp, P. (2014). Translating cell-based regenerative medicines from research to successful products: challenges and solutions. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 246-256.

Vertès, A. A. (2014). Deciphering the therapeutic stem cell strategies of large and midsize pharmaceutical firms. Regenerative Medicine, 9(4), 479-495.

Bayon, Y., Ellison, S., Vertès, A., Ahmed, A., Coury, A. J., Campion, C., … & Hellman, K. B. (2013). Commercialization of regenerative products: the academic/industry partnership. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 243-245.

Vertès, A. A. (2012). Syndicate innovation venturing: translating academic innovations into commercial successes. Challenges, 3(2), 70-83.

Vertès, A. A. (2010). Adoption of Therapeutic Stem Cell Technologies by Large Pharmaceutical Companies. The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact on Healthcare, 153-175.
 
alain.jpg

Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor

Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering, alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs, academia, and start-ups.

Dr. Vertès came to this role after extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology sectors, in Europe, North America, and Asia in different functions including research, manufacturing, partnering, and sales, in pharmaceuticals (Lilly, Pfizer, Roche), petrochemicals (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), public research (Institut Pasteur; RITE/Kyoto), contract research (Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD/BioDuro) and consulting (Australian Strategic Policy Institute). Focusing on innovation commercialization, he was a key player in the evaluation, selection, deal making, implementation, and alliance management of novel products and emerging technologies. For example, he championed radical innovation for bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigm￾changing therapeutics such as siRNA (Scrip Award 2008) and led in a scientific, strategic, and business manner Roche’s global cell therapeutics strategy and implementation team from 2007- 2010.

Dr. Vertès received an M.Sc. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD from the University of Lille Flandres Artois, and is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School (MBA/M.Sc.).

Relevant publications:

Vertès, A. A., Qureshi, N., Caplan, A. I., & Babiss, L. E. (Eds.). (2015). Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies. John Wiley & SonsVertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692..

Vertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692.

Vertès, A. A. (2015). The potential of cytotherapeutics in hematologic reconstitution and in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Chapter II: Emerging Transformational Cytotherapies. Regenerative Medicine, 10(3), 345-373.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Culme-Seymour, E., Mason, C., Stroemer, P., … & Aras, R. (2015). Turning Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough Ideas and Innovations into Commercial Products. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 21(6), 560-571.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Egloff, M., Snykers, S., Salinas, G. F., … & Kemp, P. (2014). Translating cell-based regenerative medicines from research to successful products: challenges and solutions. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 246-256.

Vertès, A. A. (2014). Deciphering the therapeutic stem cell strategies of large and midsize pharmaceutical firms. Regenerative Medicine, 9(4), 479-495.

Bayon, Y., Ellison, S., Vertès, A., Ahmed, A., Coury, A. J., Campion, C., … & Hellman, K. B. (2013). Commercialization of regenerative products: the academic/industry partnership. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 243-245.

Vertès, A. A. (2012). Syndicate innovation venturing: translating academic innovations into commercial successes. Challenges, 3(2), 70-83.

Vertès, A. A. (2010). Adoption of Therapeutic Stem Cell Technologies by Large Pharmaceutical Companies. The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact on Healthcare, 153-175. font size="3"> Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering, alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs, academia, and start-ups.

Dr. Vertès came to this role after extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology sectors, in Europe, North America, and Asia in different functions including research, manufacturing, partnering, and sales, in pharmaceuticals (Lilly, Pfizer, Roche), petrochemicals (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), public research (Institut Pasteur; RITE/Kyoto), contract research (Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD/BioDuro) and consulting (Australian Strategic Policy Institute). Focusing on innovation commercialization, he was a key player in the evaluation, selection, deal making, implementation, and alliance management of novel products and emerging technologies. For example, he championed radical innovation for bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigm￾changing therapeutics such as siRNA (Scrip Award 2008) and led in a scientific, strategic, and business manner Roche’s global cell therapeutics strategy and implementation team from 2007- 2010.

Dr. Vertès received an M.Sc. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD from the University of Lille Flandres Artois, and is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School (MBA/M.Sc.).

Relevant publications:

Vertès, A. A., Qureshi, N., Caplan, A. I., & Babiss, L. E. (Eds.). (2015). Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies. John Wiley & SonsVertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692..

Vertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692.

Vertès, A. A. (2015). The potential of cytotherapeutics in hematologic reconstitution and in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Chapter II: Emerging Transformational Cytotherapies. Regenerative Medicine, 10(3), 345-373.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Culme-Seymour, E., Mason, C., Stroemer, P., … & Aras, R. (2015). Turning Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough Ideas and Innovations into Commercial Products. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 21(6), 560-571.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Egloff, M., Snykers, S., Salinas, G. F., … & Kemp, P. (2014). Translating cell-based regenerative medicines from research to successful products: challenges and solutions. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 246-256.

Vertès, A. A. (2014). Deciphering the therapeutic stem cell strategies of large and midsize pharmaceutical firms. Regenerative Medicine, 9(4), 479-495.

Bayon, Y., Ellison, S., Vertès, A., Ahmed, A., Coury, A. J., Campion, C., … & Hellman, K. B. (2013). Commercialization of regenerative products: the academic/industry partnership. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 243-245.

Vertès, A. A. (2012). Syndicate innovation venturing: translating academic innovations into commercial successes. Challenges, 3(2), 70-83.

Vertès, A. A. (2010). Adoption of Therapeutic Stem Cell Technologies by Large Pharmaceutical Companies. The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact on Healthcare, 153-175.
 
alain.jpg

Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor

Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering, alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs, academia, and start-ups.

Dr. Vertès came to this role after extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology sectors, in Europe, North America, and Asia in different functions including research, manufacturing, partnering, and sales, in pharmaceuticals (Lilly, Pfizer, Roche), petrochemicals (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), public research (Institut Pasteur; RITE/Kyoto), contract research (Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD/BioDuro) and consulting (Australian Strategic Policy Institute). Focusing on innovation commercialization, he was a key player in the evaluation, selection, deal making, implementation, and alliance management of novel products and emerging technologies. For example, he championed radical innovation for bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigm￾changing therapeutics such as siRNA (Scrip Award 2008) and led in a scientific, strategic, and business manner Roche’s global cell therapeutics strategy and implementation team from 2007- 2010.

Dr. Vertès received an M.Sc. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD from the University of Lille Flandres Artois, and is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School (MBA/M.Sc.).

Relevant publications:

Vertès, A. A., Qureshi, N., Caplan, A. I., & Babiss, L. E. (Eds.). (2015). Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies. John Wiley & SonsVertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692..

Vertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692.

Vertès, A. A. (2015). The potential of cytotherapeutics in hematologic reconstitution and in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Chapter II: Emerging Transformational Cytotherapies. Regenerative Medicine, 10(3), 345-373.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Culme-Seymour, E., Mason, C., Stroemer, P., … & Aras, R. (2015). Turning Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough Ideas and Innovations into Commercial Products. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 21(6), 560-571.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Egloff, M., Snykers, S., Salinas, G. F., … & Kemp, P. (2014). Translating cell-based regenerative medicines from research to successful products: challenges and solutions. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 246-256.

Vertès, A. A. (2014). Deciphering the therapeutic stem cell strategies of large and midsize pharmaceutical firms. Regenerative Medicine, 9(4), 479-495.

Bayon, Y., Ellison, S., Vertès, A., Ahmed, A., Coury, A. J., Campion, C., … & Hellman, K. B. (2013). Commercialization of regenerative products: the academic/industry partnership. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 243-245.

Vertès, A. A. (2012). Syndicate innovation venturing: translating academic innovations into commercial successes. Challenges, 3(2), 70-83.

Vertès, A. A. (2010). Adoption of Therapeutic Stem Cell Technologies by Large Pharmaceutical Companies. The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact on Healthcare, 153-175.
 
blaine.jpg

Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor

Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies



Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering, alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs, academia, and start-ups.
・Battelle/PNNL Representative to Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (1991- 1998)
・Editorial Board Member, Arid Land Management (1995-2015)
・Program Committee Member for BIO-sponsored World Congresses on Industrial Biotechnology and Pacific Rim Summits on Industrial Microbiology & Bioenergy (annually since inception of each series in early 2000s).
・Ad Hoc Peer Reviewer, Journal of Phycology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Annals of Botany, Applied Phycology, Soil Science, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Cancer Institute (Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Division), Department of Agriculture
・Chair, 1996 Hanford Symposium on Health & the Environment. Microbial Genome Research: Science and Applications (early days of “shotgun sequencing”: J. Craig Venter was keynote speaker at Metting’s invitation.)
・Steering Committee Member, Gas Research Institute program on "Determination of Environmentally-Acceptable Endpoints for Soil Bioremediation" (1993-1995).
・American Academy of Microbiology Workshop on Strategies and Mechanisms for Field Research in Environmental Bioremediation (1993)


Teaching (1980s)

・Adjunct Faculty, Washington State University – Graduate level courses in Phycology and Soil Microbiology
・Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) – Introductory Microbiology
 
alain.jpg

Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor
Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

2014 Present Science Advisor, Utilization of CO Institute, Co., LLC, Japan
Global Advisory Board Member, The Global CO Initiative, San Francisco CA, USA
Consultant (1997-present), Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), Japan
Consultant, Green Earth Institute Co., LLC, Tokyo
Co-Founder & Board Member (1979-present), R&A Plant-Soil, Inc., Pasco WA, USA
1990- 2014 Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland WA, USA.
PNNL is a US Department of Energy (DOE) Multiprogram Laboratory operated for the federal government by BMI, Columbus, Ohio
1993- 2014 Manager, PNNL Fundamental and Computational Sciences Product Line & Commercial Sector
1990- 1993 Senior Research Scientist, PNN
・At PNNL, Dr. Metting shared responsibility for program development and research oversight of biological and environmental sciences, including programs supported by the DOE Office of Science (DOE-SC), the National Institutes of Health and private industry. On assignment to DOE-SC, beginning in the 1990’s, he contributed to conceptualization, development and management of national programs in Subsurface Science, Natural & Accelerated Bioremediation Research (NABIR), Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration & Global Climate Science, and the GTL: Genomes to Life initiative, DOE’s pioneering microbial genomics program. Dr. Metting also participated in PNNL’s internal initiative in Bio-Based Products, culminating in the joint PNNL-Washington State University Bioproducts Sciences & Engineering Laboratory.
・From 2008-2011, Dr. Metting worked with Battelle-Malaysia to design a world-class Renewable Energy Laboratory for Petronas, the state oil company of Malaysia. He was responsible for the biological sciences component.
・ Dr. Metting served from 2004-2006 as Chair of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Microalgae Biofixation Network, predecessor to the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO).
1989- 1990 Project Scientist, Cyanotech Corporation, Hawaii, USA (microalgae products)
1988- 1989 Principal Microbiologist, Enviros Corporation, Redmond WA, USA (bioremediation)
1987- 1988 Research Associate, Tufts University Medical School, Boston MA, USA (molecular ecology)
1987 Participant in the US-India Science & Technology Initiative sponsored by the Agency for International Development, including microalgae research centers in Bangalore, Madurai and Delhi.
1979- 1987 Co-Founder & Vice President for Research & Development, R&A Plant Soil, Inc., Pasco, WA USA. Current member, corporate Board of Directors.
・R&A Plant-Soil was incorporated in 1979 as a microbial biotechnology company focused on mass culture of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria & soil-conditioning, palmelloid microalgae for organic agriculture. Dr. Metting secured Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and DOE, as well contracts from SERI, the Solar Energy Research Institute (since renamed NREL).
・The company transitioned to traditional & organic fertilizers in the 1990’s and remains profitable.

Education:
1979 Ph.D., Washington State University (Botany)
1975 M.S., Washington State University (Botany)
1972 B.A., Whitman College (Liberal Arts)
1984- 1986 University of Washington (MBA coursework, including Financial & Management Accounting)


Selected Publications: (> 40 total, including 25 refereed research articles)
(Selected to highlight breadth of research interests from Microalgae Biotechnology to Carbon Sequestration)

CT Garten Jr., DJ Brice, HF Castro, RL Graham, MA Mayes, JR Phillips, WM Post III, CW Schadt, SD Wullschleger, DD Tyler, PM Jardine, JD Jastrow, R Matamala, RM Miller, KK Moran, TW Vugteveen, RC Izaurralde, AM Thomson, TO West, JE Amonette, VL Bailey, FB Metting, JL Smith. 2011. Response of “Alamo” switchgrass tissue chemistry and biomass to nitrogen fertilization in West Tennessee, USA. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 140: 289-297.

CT Garten, Jr., JL Smith, DD Tyler, JE Amonette, VL Bailey, DJ Brice, HF Castro, RL Graham, CA Gunderson, RC Izaurralde, PM Jardine, JD Jastrow, MK Kerley, R Matamala, MA Mayes, FB Metting, RM Miller, KK Moran, WM Post, RD Sands, CW Schadt, JR Phillips, AM Thomson, T Vugteveen, TO West, and SD Wullschleger. 2010. Intra-annual changes in biomass, carbon, and nitrogen dynamics at 4-year old switchgrass field trials in West Tennessee, USA. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 136: 177-184

M Huesemann, G Roesjadi, JR Benemann and FB Metting. 2009. Biofuels from Microalgae and Seaweeds. In: Biomass to Biofuels. Strategies for Global Industries. A.A. Vertes, H. Yukawa et al., (Eds.). Wiley & Sons, New York.

WM Post, JE Amonette, R Birdsey, CT Garten Jr., RC Izaurralde, PM Jardine, JD Jastrow, R Lal, G Marland, BA McCarl, AM Thomson, TO West, SD Wullschleger, and FB Metting. 2009. Terrestrial Biological Carbon Sequestration: Science for Enhancement and Implementation. In (B. McPherson and E. Sundquist, Eds.) Science and Technology of Carbon Sequestration, Geophysical Monograph 183, American Geophysical Union.

B McCarl, FB Metting, C Rice (co-Editors.). 2007. Special Issue: The Science, Technology & Economics of Soil Carbon Sequestration for Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases. Climatic Change 80: 1-197.

NJ Rosenberg, FB Metting. RC Izaurralde (co-Editors). 2004. Applications of Biotechnology to Mitigation of Greenhouse Warming. Proceedings, 2 St. Michaels Workshop. Battelle Press, Columbus.

Metting, FB. 1996. Biodiversity and applications of microalgae. Journal of Industrial Microbiology 17, 477-489. (special volume) D. E. Eveleigh and J. C. Hunter-Cevera (co￾Editors).

MJ Graham, J.M Thomas and FB Metting. 1996. Groundwater. Chapter 11 In: Handbook of Water Resources. L. W. Mays (Editor-in-Chief). McGraw-Hill.

Metting, FB. 1994. Algae and cyanobacteria. Chapter 18 (pp. 427-458) In: Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 3. Microbiological and Biochemical Properties. 3rd edition. R. W. Weaver et al. (Eds.) American Society of Agronomy/Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin.

Metting, FB. Editor. 1993. Soil Microbial Ecology. Applications in Agricultural and Environmental Management. Marcel Dekker, New York City. 646 pp. (Dr. Metting wrote or co-authored 4 chapters)

pre-1990: Contributed chapters to volumes entitled Algae and Human Affairs (Cambridge University Press), Micro-algae Biotechnology (Wiley Interscience), Applied Phycology (Klyuvier), The Rhizosphere (Wiley & Sons), Semi-Arid Lands and Deserts (2 chapters, Taylor & Francis); and refereed research articles in Applied & Environmental Microbiology, Applied Phycology Forum, Journal of Phycology, Phycologia (2), Arid Land Management, Soil Science (2), and Soil Science of America Journal.


Selected Activities:

・Board of Directors, Oregon Bioscience Association (representing Battelle Northwest Division/PNNL, 2002-2012)
・Battelle/PNNL Representative to Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (1991- 1998)
・Editorial Board Member, Arid Land Management (1995-2015)
・Program Committee Member for BIO-sponsored World Congresses on Industrial Biotechnology and Pacific Rim Summits on Industrial Microbiology & Bioenergy (annually since inception of each series in early 2000s).
・Ad Hoc Peer Reviewer, Journal of Phycology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Annals of Botany, Applied Phycology, Soil Science, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Cancer Institute (Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Division), Department of Agriculture
・Chair, 1996 Hanford Symposium on Health & the Environment. Microbial Genome Research: Science and Applications (early days of “shotgun sequencing”: J. Craig Venter was keynote speaker at Metting’s invitation.)
・Steering Committee Member, Gas Research Institute program on "Determination of Environmentally-Acceptable Endpoints for Soil Bioremediation" (1993-1995).
・American Academy of Microbiology Workshop on Strategies and Mechanisms for Field Research in Environmental Bioremediation (1993)


Teaching (1980s)

・Adjunct Faculty, Washington State University – Graduate level courses in Phycology and Soil Microbiology
・Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) – Introductory Microbiology
 
alain.jpg

Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor
Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

2014 Present Science Advisor, Utilization of CO Institute, Co., LLC, Japan
Global Advisory Board Member, The Global CO Initiative, San Francisco CA, USA
Consultant (1997-present), Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), Japan
Consultant, Green Earth Institute Co., LLC, Tokyo
Co-Founder & Board Member (1979-present), R&A Plant-Soil, Inc., Pasco WA, USA
1990- 2014 Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland WA, USA.
PNNL is a US Department of Energy (DOE) Multiprogram Laboratory operated for the federal government by BMI, Columbus, Ohio
1993- 2014 Manager, PNNL Fundamental and Computational Sciences Product Line & Commercial Sector
1990- 1993 Senior Research Scientist, PNN
・At PNNL, Dr. Metting shared responsibility for program development and research oversight of biological and environmental sciences, including programs supported by the DOE Office of Science (DOE-SC), the National Institutes of Health and private industry. On assignment to DOE-SC, beginning in the 1990’s, he contributed to conceptualization, development and management of national programs in Subsurface Science, Natural & Accelerated Bioremediation Research (NABIR), Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration & Global Climate Science, and the GTL: Genomes to Life initiative, DOE’s pioneering microbial genomics program. Dr. Metting also participated in PNNL’s internal initiative in Bio-Based Products, culminating in the joint PNNL-Washington State University Bioproducts Sciences & Engineering Laboratory.
・From 2008-2011, Dr. Metting worked with Battelle-Malaysia to design a world-class Renewable Energy Laboratory for Petronas, the state oil company of Malaysia. He was responsible for the biological sciences component.
・ Dr. Metting served from 2004-2006 as Chair of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Microalgae Biofixation Network, predecessor to the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO).
1989- 1990 Project Scientist, Cyanotech Corporation, Hawaii, USA (microalgae products)
1988- 1989 Principal Microbiologist, Enviros Corporation, Redmond WA, USA (bioremediation)
1987- 1988 Research Associate, Tufts University Medical School, Boston MA, USA (molecular ecology)
1987 Participant in the US-India Science & Technology Initiative sponsored by the Agency for International Development, including microalgae research centers in Bangalore, Madurai and Delhi.
1979- 1987 Co-Founder & Vice President for Research & Development, R&A Plant Soil, Inc., Pasco, WA USA. Current member, corporate Board of Directors.
・R&A Plant-Soil was incorporated in 1979 as a microbial biotechnology company focused on mass culture of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria & soil-conditioning, palmelloid microalgae for organic agriculture. Dr. Metting secured Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and DOE, as well contracts from SERI, the Solar Energy Research Institute (since renamed NREL).
・The company transitioned to traditional & organic fertilizers in the 1990’s and remains profitable.

Education:
1979 Ph.D., Washington State University (Botany)
1975 M.S., Washington State University (Botany)
1972 B.A., Whitman College (Liberal Arts)
1984- 1986 University of Washington (MBA coursework, including Financial & Management Accounting)


Selected Publications: (> 40 total, including 25 refereed research articles)
(Selected to highlight breadth of research interests from Microalgae Biotechnology to Carbon Sequestration)

CT Garten Jr., DJ Brice, HF Castro, RL Graham, MA Mayes, JR Phillips, WM Post III, CW Schadt, SD Wullschleger, DD Tyler, PM Jardine, JD Jastrow, R Matamala, RM Miller, KK Moran, TW Vugteveen, RC Izaurralde, AM Thomson, TO West, JE Amonette, VL Bailey, FB Metting, JL Smith. 2011. Response of “Alamo” switchgrass tissue chemistry and biomass to nitrogen fertilization in West Tennessee, USA. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 140: 289-297.

CT Garten, Jr., JL Smith, DD Tyler, JE Amonette, VL Bailey, DJ Brice, HF Castro, RL Graham, CA Gunderson, RC Izaurralde, PM Jardine, JD Jastrow, MK Kerley, R Matamala, MA Mayes, FB Metting, RM Miller, KK Moran, WM Post, RD Sands, CW Schadt, JR Phillips, AM Thomson, T Vugteveen, TO West, and SD Wullschleger. 2010. Intra-annual changes in biomass, carbon, and nitrogen dynamics at 4-year old switchgrass field trials in West Tennessee, USA. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 136: 177-184

M Huesemann, G Roesjadi, JR Benemann and FB Metting. 2009. Biofuels from Microalgae and Seaweeds. In: Biomass to Biofuels. Strategies for Global Industries. A.A. Vertes, H. Yukawa et al., (Eds.). Wiley & Sons, New York.

WM Post, JE Amonette, R Birdsey, CT Garten Jr., RC Izaurralde, PM Jardine, JD Jastrow, R Lal, G Marland, BA McCarl, AM Thomson, TO West, SD Wullschleger, and FB Metting. 2009. Terrestrial Biological Carbon Sequestration: Science for Enhancement and Implementation. In (B. McPherson and E. Sundquist, Eds.) Science and Technology of Carbon Sequestration, Geophysical Monograph 183, American Geophysical Union.

B McCarl, FB Metting, C Rice (co-Editors.). 2007. Special Issue: The Science, Technology & Economics of Soil Carbon Sequestration for Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases. Climatic Change 80: 1-197.

NJ Rosenberg, FB Metting. RC Izaurralde (co-Editors). 2004. Applications of Biotechnology to Mitigation of Greenhouse Warming. Proceedings, 2 St. Michaels Workshop. Battelle Press, Columbus.

Metting, FB. 1996. Biodiversity and applications of microalgae. Journal of Industrial Microbiology 17, 477-489. (special volume) D. E. Eveleigh and J. C. Hunter-Cevera (co￾Editors).

MJ Graham, J.M Thomas and FB Metting. 1996. Groundwater. Chapter 11 In: Handbook of Water Resources. L. W. Mays (Editor-in-Chief). McGraw-Hill.

Metting, FB. 1994. Algae and cyanobacteria. Chapter 18 (pp. 427-458) In: Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 3. Microbiological and Biochemical Properties. 3rd edition. R. W. Weaver et al. (Eds.) American Society of Agronomy/Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin.

Metting, FB. Editor. 1993. Soil Microbial Ecology. Applications in Agricultural and Environmental Management. Marcel Dekker, New York City. 646 pp. (Dr. Metting wrote or co-authored 4 chapters)

pre-1990: Contributed chapters to volumes entitled Algae and Human Affairs (Cambridge University Press), Micro-algae Biotechnology (Wiley Interscience), Applied Phycology (Klyuvier), The Rhizosphere (Wiley & Sons), Semi-Arid Lands and Deserts (2 chapters, Taylor & Francis); and refereed research articles in Applied & Environmental Microbiology, Applied Phycology Forum, Journal of Phycology, Phycologia (2), Arid Land Management, Soil Science (2), and Soil Science of America Journal.


Selected Activities:

・Board of Directors, Oregon Bioscience Association (representing Battelle Northwest Division/PNNL, 2002-2012)
・Battelle/PNNL Representative to Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (1991- 1998)
・Editorial Board Member, Arid Land Management (1995-2015)
・Program Committee Member for BIO-sponsored World Congresses on Industrial Biotechnology and Pacific Rim Summits on Industrial Microbiology & Bioenergy (annually since inception of each series in early 2000s).
・Ad Hoc Peer Reviewer, Journal of Phycology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Annals of Botany, Applied Phycology, Soil Science, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, National Cancer Institute (Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Division), Department of Agriculture
・Chair, 1996 Hanford Symposium on Health & the Environment. Microbial Genome Research: Science and Applications (early days of “shotgun sequencing”: J. Craig Venter was keynote speaker at Metting’s invitation.)
・Steering Committee Member, Gas Research Institute program on "Determination of Environmentally-Acceptable Endpoints for Soil Bioremediation" (1993-1995).
・American Academy of Microbiology Workshop on Strategies and Mechanisms for Field Research in Environmental Bioremediation (1993)


Teaching (1980s)

・Adjunct Faculty, Washington State University – Graduate level courses in Phycology and Soil Microbiology
・Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) – Introductory Microbiology
 
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Dr. Alain Vertès

Business Strategy Advisor
Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies

Dr. Alain Vertès is Managing Director at NxR Biotechnologies, a global boutique consulting firm based in Basel, Switzerland, where he advises on strategy, business development (partnering, alliance management, in- and out-licensing, commercialisation), entrepreneurship and investment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and sustainable chemistry industries. NxR's track record comprises projects with big pharmas, biotechs, generics companies, financial investors, CROs, academia, and start-ups.

Dr. Vertès came to this role after extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology sectors, in Europe, North America, and Asia in different functions including research, manufacturing, partnering, and sales, in pharmaceuticals (Lilly, Pfizer, Roche), petrochemicals (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), public research (Institut Pasteur; RITE/Kyoto), contract research (Battelle Memorial Institute, PPD/BioDuro) and consulting (Australian Strategic Policy Institute). Focusing on innovation commercialization, he was a key player in the evaluation, selection, deal making, implementation, and alliance management of novel products and emerging technologies. For example, he championed radical innovation for bringing to patients disease-modifying, paradigm￾changing therapeutics such as siRNA (Scrip Award 2008) and led in a scientific, strategic, and business manner Roche’s global cell therapeutics strategy and implementation team from 2007- 2010.

Dr. Vertès received an M.Sc. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a PhD from the University of Lille Flandres Artois, and is a Sloan Fellow from London Business School (MBA/M.Sc.).


Relevant publications:

Vertès, A. A., Qureshi, N., Caplan, A. I., & Babiss, L. E. (Eds.). (2015). Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies. John Wiley & Sons.

Vertès, A. A., & Dowden, N. J. (2015). History of monoclonal antibodies and lessons for the development of stem cell therapeutics. Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Science, Regulation and Business Strategies, 665-692.

Vertès, A. A. (2015). The potential of cytotherapeutics in hematologic reconstitution and in the treatment and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Chapter II: Emerging Transformational Cytotherapies. Regenerative Medicine, 10(3), 345-373.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Culme-Seymour, E., Mason, C., Stroemer, P., … & Aras, R. (2015). Turning Regenerative Medicine Breakthrough Ideas and Innovations into Commercial Products. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 21(6), 560-571.

Bayon, Y., Vertès, A. A., Ronfard, V., Egloff, M., Snykers, S., Salinas, G. F., … & Kemp, P. (2014). Translating cell-based regenerative medicines from research to successful products: challenges and solutions. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 246-256.

Vertès, A. A. (2014). Deciphering the therapeutic stem cell strategies of large and midsize pharmaceutical firms. Regenerative Medicine, 9(4), 479-495. ​

Bayon, Y., Ellison, S., Vertès, A., Ahmed, A., Coury, A. J., Campion, C., … & Hellman, K. B. (2013). Commercialization of regenerative products: the academic/industry partnership. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 20(4), 243-245.

Vertès, A. A. (2012). Syndicate innovation venturing: translating academic innovations into commercial successes. Challenges, 3(2), 70-83.

Vertès, A. A. (2010). Adoption of Therapeutic Stem Cell Technologies by Large Pharmaceutical Companies. The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact on Healthcare, 153-175.
 
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