Kansas State University

OLATHE -- Kansas State University Olathe is launching Headliners 2025, a new series of interactive dialogues on topics of interest and relevance to government, industry, academic and community leaders in the Kansas City area.

The first event, "Defining Competitive Advantage in Greater Kansas City," will be presented by Brad Fenwick, senior vice president, Global Strategic Alliances, Elsevier, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at K-State Olathe, 22201 Innovation Drive. Registration and more information are available at http://olathe.k-state.edu/events.html?id=2719&start=20140227.

Fenwick will use the latest research to provide a perspective on the importance of new bridges of collaboration between university, industry and government sectors -- or the "triple helix." At Elsevier, Fenwick is charged with forging noncommercial partnerships with universities, research centers, industry, governments and funding agencies to enhance research and innovation.

Community leaders will have the opportunity to learn about the Kansas City metro's core science, technology and innovation strengths and competitive advantages over other cities. Fenwick and participants will discuss the unrecognized opportunities that the region can capitalize on to advance in a knowledge-based economy.

"We are excited to have Dr. Fenwick launch our new Headliners 2025 series at K-State Olathe," said Prema Arasu, K-State Olathe CEO and vice provost. "His diverse background will bring a unique perspective and synthesis of data about our metro region. It will be exciting to get input from community leaders on how we can capitalize on stronger collaborations and innovations to impact development in our region."

Fenwick earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and master's degree in pathobiology from Kansas State University. He also earned a doctorate in comparative pathology from the University of California, Davis, where he completed his residency. He is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Microbiology. He has received many awards and recognitions for his research, holds several patents, founded a biotechnology company and consults widely with companies, universities, and governments. He is a fellow of the American Council on Education and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was a 2011 Jefferson Science fellow, serving as a senior science advisor to the U.S. State Department and working on food security, higher education, and science, technology and innovation.

Arasu said future presentation in the Headliners 2025 series will also engage industry, government and community leaders in dialogue on the latest topics impacting the region's present and future. For more information about Headliners 2025, contact Arasu at 913-307-7315 or arasu@k-state.edu.