Keynote Speaker:

Ian Wright
Vice President of Global Assay Development
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics

“Straight from school, I did fundamental research in the field of pediatric infection and coagulation. In my commercial career I have worked in many roles: sales, marketing, country management, program management and R&D.

I have worked in Scotland, England, Germany and the USA and currently manage groups in Delaware, Boston and NY in the US and in Germany.”

- Ian Wright BSc. CBiol. MBS

Life Science Professionals Gather, to Gain Insight from Siemens VP of Global Assay Development, Ian Wright

Delaware BioScience Association, Written By: Jessica Mannion, December 16, 2010:

Regardless of the blustery weather conditions outside, a group of individuals, representing all facets of Delaware’s scientific community, gathered once again in DBI for the second event organized by The Delaware Life Science Professionals. This time around the group welcomed keynote speaker Ian Wright, VP of Global Assay Development for Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. Ian provided some entertaining anecdotes from his past and some note worthy advice about his journey to success, all of which seemed to be tied together by luck and chance.

Attendees began to filter in out of the cold and the space began to buzz with excitement. Folks utilized this time for networking as they enjoyed refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. Lauren Seiple, a representative from the Delaware Life Science Professionals steering committee and an R&D manager at Siemens, served as MC for the evening. Lauren did an excellent job keeping the mood light, stirring up some sports rivalries as she invited guests to go around the room and briefly introduce themselves, making sure to include the alma mater from which they hail. Although a large majority of the crowd seemed to share Lauren’s Blue & White, Penn State background, a strong Blue Hen presence was abound. And of course few other schools with leading football, basketball, and even fútbol teams were not left unrepresented.

Rivalries put aside, Lauren then introduced Ian Wright.  Ian, originally from Scotland and a very good-humored speaker, started out by making it clear to the crowd that, his thick, “Maryland” accent may be difficult for them to understand and that a translation would be made available to all those who were interested. Ian’s talk centered around his personal experiences and successes from his professional journey and how luck and chance played integral parts in outlining his success along the way. So often along this journey, Ian seemed to find himself in the right place at the right time.  

Ian grew up in a relatively impoverished part of Scotland, but was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to receive a quality education. It was early in his academic career that Ian quickly discovered his passion for science. Soon after his schooling, Ian started working in pediatric infection and coagulation research.  After several years being involved in research, Ian went on to play a variety of different roles in industry: sales, marketing, program management and R&D, to name a few. These experiences took him beyond the bounds of Scotland and into Germany, England, and eventually, by chance, over a drink of whiskey, in a bar at 2 am, talking to just the right person, Ian found his way to the US. Ultimately it was this chat that led to opportunity with Siemens and as they say “the rest is history”.

Ian drew attention to the fact that part of his success must be accredited to his value of balance in life.  For him, it can’t just be about “all work and no play”, but instead the two must coexist.  Its Ian’s passion for music, the water and hobbies relating to both, spending time outside of work to enjoy them, that help foster his success.

Once again the Delaware Life Science Professionals put on another great event and hope to see continuing success of these events in the future.  Please look forward to the next event coming up on February 10, 2011. The feature of the evening will be keynote speaker Brian Swalla, Ph.D., Director of Genetics & Protein Engineering at Athena Biotechnologies.