The seventh Life Science Industry Awards (LSIAs) were presented August 15th in San Diego, California, at a gala at the Hilton Bayfront. Presented by research and advisory firm BioInformatics LLC, the LSIAs recognize life sciences tool companies for their outstanding performance in 13 categories, including new products, best technical support and best website. The LSIAs are devoted to customers’ recognition of their life science suppliers and products.

The winners are a who’s who of life science providers, highlighting the breadth and expertise of companies that support life science research and testing. Companies with broad product lines, such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and MilliporeSigma, were represented, as were more specialized businesses, including Abcam and 10X Genomics. Regardless of the product type or company size, every business relies on innovative products, quality service and support, and a strong marketing presence to succeed.

“The Life Science Industry Awards mean a lot to the companies that are nominated,” noted Bill Kelly, president & co-founder of BioInformatics LLC. “Unlike many other awards, scientists in labs all over the world participated in the voting to recognize the companies that go above and beyond in supporting their customers.”

The five finalists for each category were nominated by 2,000 members of BioInformatics LLC’s Science Advisory Board, a research panel of over 80,000 scientists worldwide. To determine the winners, BioInformatics LLC applied a Customer Value Score, which measures customer satisfaction and loyalty for each company.

“The number of votes received counted for only 25% of a company’s score. We also asked these scientists to rate their level of satisfaction with the supplier on different attributes associated with each category,” stated Mr. Kelly, explaining the methodology. “That way we measure not just a company’s popularity but also the depth of their customers’ loyalty—this counts toward the other 75% of the company’s score.”

At the award ceremony, winners acknowledged their customers’ appreciation. Accepting Thermo Fisher’s Award for Best Use of Digital Media, Carlos Herrera, senior Product Manager, e-Business, told the audience, “I think each one of us should be proud of how we’re enabling the customer to succeed.” He told IBO that it was an honor for the company to be recognized for helping to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo Fisher won awards in three categories.

Francis Van Parys, general manager, Commercial, Cell Culture, at GE Life Sciences, accepted the Award for Best New Product—Protein Research for the company’s Amersham PhastSystem. He said winning was especially meaningful given the company’s long history in protein research and product’s evolution.

MilliporeSigma was the winner for most memorable advertising.  “We’re really honored,” stated Heather Hargett, head of Academic Segment Strategy at MilliporeSigma, Regarding the company’s advertising philosophy, she told IBO, “We want to be there first with the customers, understand their research challenges and help them find the solutions.”

Over 100 people, including representatives from 36 companies, attended the event. This year’s LSIAs were sponsored by BroadOak Capital Partners, Chempetitive Group and DigitalScience.