The greater San Diego biotechnology community has a lot to commemorate this year:

200^th anniversary of Darwin’s birth
150^th anniversary of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species
135^th anniversary of the founding of the San Diego Natural History Museum
18^th anniversary of BIOCOM

Our society, our livelihoods, the communities in which welive, and the way we interact with our changing environment are all connectedto the founding work of Charles Darwin. His concept of evolution by means ofnatural selection has, over the past 150 years, led to many discoveries thatmake our work possible. His story is proof that a passion for rigorous sciencecan generate ideas that challenge our perceptions and transform ourunderstanding of life itself.

The Museum and BIOCOM would like you to celebrate with us. The Museum has secured the seminal exhibition Darwin: Evolution/Revolution which includes personal letters,original specimens, his diagrams, musings, and more. Perhaps most importantly,the exhibition provides a connection between Darwin’swork and the diversity we see today in San Diego’s growing biotechnology community includinggenetics and personalized medicine, stem-cell research, drug discovery,bioenergy and environmental conservation.

We are asking that each life science company honor Darwin and his work bysupporting the exhibition which will be on display at the Museum from November 7, 2009 to February 28, 2010. We have established a Life Science Partners gift of $1000 which we believe will allow every life science and biotechnologycompany to participate and show support for their connection to Darwin’s legacy. A gift of $1000 would entitle your company to benefits exclusive to our life sciencepartners. Benefits include:

Recognition on a prominent partner panel in the exhibition.
Invitations to an exclusive Life Science Partners VIP reception prior to a networking and exhibition opening event on November 18.
Recognition on the Museum’s award-winning website, with a link to your site.
Exhibition VIP passes for key staff members.
Inclusion in a press release specifically about Life Science Partners.
Option to “pledge now and pay later” or pay in installments (see enclosed pledge letter).

This gift would go to support the important science education and workforce development activity of the BIOCOM Institute and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

One-hundred and fifty years after the publication of Darwin’swork, biological research in San Diego has never been more vibrant and is making significant contributions to ourlives in healthcare, the environment, and a new energy economy. To make a contribution, or for moreinformation about this important exhibition, please fill out the pledge formbelow or contact the Life Science Partners team by contacting the San Diego Natural History Museum at naturalpartners@sdnhm.org or 619.255.0241.