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The Scholar Mentoring & Development Program (SMDP) is a one year career mentoring program pairs students (Baccalaureate, Master or PhD) and early career researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds with industry mentors who work at companies in the biotechnology, medical technology and consumer healthcare industries. The 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and Mentors will attend an in-person SMDP Biotech training session in San Diego, June 20th through 25th. Details for participation is sent to each attendee prior to the event.
Schedule
The pre-conference session is for the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars only
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
SMDP Primer Session (Virtual): How to Develop & High Impact Resume & Cover Letter
This practical career development session is designed to help the SMDP Biotech Scholars create compelling resumes and cover letters that effectively communicate their skills, experiences, and professi ...
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Hotel Check-In for SMDP Scholars
SMDP Scholars should plan to arrive in San Diego by late afternoon on Saturday, June 20, to allow ample time to check in to the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. S ...
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Casual Dinner for the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and Mentors
The SMDP Training Session begins with informal evening dinner bringing together the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and their mentors. Joined by SMDP alumni and members of the SMDP Alumni Steering Committe ...
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
SMDP Scholars Breakfast (For Scholars Only)
The SMDP Biotech Scholars begin the day with breakfast at the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. Breakfast is included with each scholar’s hotel stay and provides ...
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Arrival & Informal Networking
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to check in and enjoy informal networking with fellow scholars, mentors, alumni and representatives from industry. Hosted by Scott May, this period provide ...
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
SMDP Scholar & Mentor Introductions
This interactive session provides the first formal opportunity for the 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars and mentors to introduce themselves. The session ensures that everyone knows who is in the room and se ...
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break & Group Photos
This mid-morning break provides an opportunity for participants to refresh, continue conversations, and strengthen connections. During this time, all we will also arrange to take the official a group ...
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
"The Business of Biotech & Consumer Healthcare" Industry Panel
This engaging panel discussion brings together industry leaders from the biotechnology and consumer healthcare sectors to share insights into the products and innovations shaping the future of healthc ...
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Introduction to Personalized Mentoring
This session introduces scholars and mentors to the personalized mentoring component of the SMDP experience. Participants will learn how the mentor-mentee relationship is structured, what to expect fr ...
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
SMDP Scholar & Mentor Lunch (1:1 Mentoring Session)
This dedicated lunch provides scholars and mentors with their first extended one-on-one mentoring session. Over a shared meal, each scholar will have the opportunity to get to know their mentor in a m ...
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Mentoring Skill Development & Personalized Mentoring
This interactive session takes a deeper look at the mentoring experience and equips both scholars and mentors with practical guidance for building a strong and productive relationship. Participants wi ...
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
"Career Choices" Discussion
This engaging panel discussion features accomplished professionals from a diverse of career tracks in the biotechnology and consumer healthcare industries. They will share candid insights into the car ...
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Networking Break
This afternoon break offers participants an opportunity to recharge and continue building relationships with fellow scholars, mentors, alumni and industry representatives. Whether reconnecting with ne ...
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Personalized Mentoring & Wrap Up
In this concluding session, scholars and mentors will have additional time for their one-on-one discussions and to reflect on the day’s key insights. Participants will be encouraged to identify next ...
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Annual Celebration of SMDP Biotech
The SMDP community will cruise along San Diego Bay for an unforgettable evening aboard the Admiral Hornblower Yacht as we celebrate the 2026 SMDP Biotech program. This annual reception brings together ...
6:15 AM - 7:00 AM
SMDP Scholars Breakfast (For Scholars Only)
The 2026 SMDP Biotech Scholars begin Day 2 of the training session with breakfast at the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront. Included with each scholar’s hotel sta ...
7:00 AM - 7:15 AM
Arrival & Informal Networking
7:15 AM - 7:45 AM
SMDP Mentoring Portal Orientation
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
"Getting Hired": Job Search Tools & How to Pursue Job Opportunities
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Personalised Mentoring: Career Goals & Action Items
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Drug Discovery Game (for SMDP Scholars only)
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Mentoring Discussion (for SMDP Mentors only)
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
SMDP Training Session Wrap Up
12:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Site Visit & Lunch (for SMDP Biotech Scholars only)
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Registration at the BIO International Convention (BIO 2026)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BIO 2026 Opening Night: The BIO Gives Back Concert
As part of the SMDP experience at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization International Convention (BIO 2026), participants will attend the BIO 2026 Opening Night: The BIO Gives Back Concert. This s ...
9:00 AM - 5:15 PM
BIO 2026 Sessions & Exhibits
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
BIO 2026 Exhibition Reception
9:00 AM - 5:15 PM
BIO 2026 Sessions & Exhibits
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BIO 2026 Gaslamp Block Party
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Hotel Check-Out for SMDP Scholars
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
BIO 2026 Sessions & Company Presentations
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM