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SCbio to Reveal New Economic Impact Report Showcasing South Carolina’s Rapidly Expanding Life Sciences Sector

SOUTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 4, 2026 – SCbio President and CEO James Chappell, Ph.D., will unveil the latest report detailing the life science sector’s growing contribution to South Carolina’s economy at the Life + Science Conference on Feb. 18 in Charleston. The conference, the largest one-day life sciences event in the Palmetto State, is hosted in partnership with Quest Diagnostics.

The report, completed by RESH Marketing and economist Joseph Von Nessen, Ph. D., will highlight emerging trends, regional strengths, workforce opportunities and critical areas for future investment in South Carolina’s life sciences industry. The findings will provide a strategic roadmap to support South Carolina’s position as one of the fastest‑growing life science clusters in the Southeast.

“The data in this new study confirms how strongly the life sciences industry supports the South Carolina economy,” said Chappell. “SCbio is ready to share this report on the global stage to bring more venture capital investment, resources and established company expansions to the Palmetto State.”

The full report will be made available by SCbio following the unveiling and will serve as a foundational resource for organizations seeking data‑backed perspectives on industry trends, opportunities and economic contributions throughout the state.

The SCbio Life + Science Conference, emceed by WCBD News 2 Anchor Carolyn Murray, will feature South Carolina companies revolutionizing patient health, explain why major biomanufacturers are choosing to locate and expand in the Palmetto State, discuss what company founders need to scale and find key funding pathways and more.

Beginning in 2011, this industry event has grown to over 500 attendees from 24 U.S. states, hosting speakers from international companies to federal leaders from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Register for the conference at sclifescienceconference.org.  

SCbio is the definitive, unifying leader in South Carolina’s life sciences sector, fostering authentic collaboration and innovation across academia, startups, government and established enterprises. As a member-driven economic development organization, SCbio represents more than 1,000 organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals. Our members are unified by a mission to positively impact humanity through science across the ecosystem of advanced and specialty manufacturing; digital health and the data frontier; and cutting-edge health specializations. For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry, or to become a member, visit www.SCbio.org.

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.