BioVentures Establishes the Dr. Samir Jenkins Innovation Travel Award
BioVentures has established the Dr. Samir Jenkins Innovation Travel Award to honor an exceptional scientist, mentor, entrepreneur, and friend whose work and vision left a lasting impact at UAMS and beyond. Dr. Samir Jenkins, Ph.D., combined rigorous scientific research with a deep commitment to translating discoveries into meaningful applications. Through his work in cancer nanomedicine, he advanced nanoparticle-based therapeutics, contributed to commercialization efforts with BioVentures, and inspired colleagues with his creativity, generosity, energy, and entrepreneurial drive. Created in his memory, the award supports UAMS researchers, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and instructors who share Samir’s passion for innovation and technology translation. Funding may be used to attend conferences or training opportunities focused on commercialization, entrepreneurship, innovation, or moving research discoveries toward practical use. By helping participants gain new knowledge, develop valuable connections, and strengthen their commercialization skills, the award is intended to accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to real-world impact, and continue the work Samir cared deeply about. Applicants are invited to submit a brief proposal identifying the conference or training opportunity they wish to attend and explaining how the experience will support the translation of their research into practice. Apply for the Dr. Samir Jenkins Innovation Travel Award.