Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed four representatives from the University last week to serve on a new biosciences council.

The panel will advise Pawlenty and the Legislature on issues pertaining to bioscience – particularly how the state can attract and retain bioscience companies. Members were selected from a pool of 80 applicants.

Senior vice president for the Academic Health Center Frank Cerra, College of Biological Sciences Dean Robert Elde, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs associate professor Jennifer Kuzma and Carlson Ventures director Doug Johnson will serve two-year terms on the 15-member Minnesota Biosciences Council.

“It’s an incredibly distinguished group, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” Kuzma said.

Other members include Senate education chairman Steve Kelley, DFL-Hopkins, and James Adam, CEO of Blizzard Genomics, a University startup company launched in 1999.

The council’s first meeting is Aug. 26.