Our story…
It all began with an idea—and the belief that connection creates possibility.
The Path Forward: Building a Community
The right connections can lead to job referrals, industry insight, sharing protocols, and sometimes, just having a friend who understands exactly what it took to get that experiment to work.
The idea for BCBN began with our President and Co-Founder, Shivani, who, after six years in Vancouver’s life sciences industry, saw first-hand that success often depends as much on your network as on your training. Recognizing a gap in support and community for emerging scientists, she brought together a group of like-minded peers and registered BCBN as a provincial non-profit in May 2025 to address the need.
All of us have faced the same challenges—navigating career transitions, learning new techniques, finding our footing—and we know how powerful it is to have a supportive scientific community. Today, our volunteer-led team hosts events and builds spaces where scientists can connect authentically and develop the resilience needed to innovate.
Our goal is simple: to strengthen BC’s bioeconomy by empowering the next generation of scientists. We’re not about handing out business cards —we’re about real conversations, shared experiences, and friendships that can spark endless possibilities.
Honouring Our Roots: The Legacy of the Student Biotechnology Network
The Student Biotechnology Network (SBN), founded in the early 2000s, was a trailblazing non-profit that empowered young scientists and researchers to build meaningful careers in BC’s growing biotechnology sector. Entirely volunteer-led, SBN brought together students, postdocs, faculty, and industry leaders through impactful events like Biotech Expo, mentorship programs, and networking nights that demystified industry careers and built lasting professional bridges.
Shivani and Susana —now co-leads of BCBN—were part of SBN’s final executive team before it dissolved in 2024. Out of that vision, BCBN was born. We rebranded and relaunched the organization to be more accessible and inclusive—not just for students, but for early-career scientists at every stage. Because the real magic happens when students, researchers, and professionals collaborate—not just in the lab, but over coffee, at events, or through shared mentorship.
We’re proud to carry SBN’s legacy forward while building something bold and new. Rooted in history, reimagined for today. Built by and for the next generation of science leaders in BC.