Life sciences networking event held at UMass Medical

Release Date:
April 2, 2008
Worcester, MA - The growth of biotechnology related industries in the state are fueled by brains and an educated workforce--both of which are in abundance in Central Massachusetts.

That message was the theme of a biomedical, biotechnology and health professions networking event recently hosted by the Consortium Chief Academic Officers at UMass Medical School (UMMS). Approximately 40 professionals from 10 Consortium institutions participated in the event which featured networking opportunities, poster displays and tours of UMMS.

Kevin O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, delivered a keynote address entitled "The Role of Consortium Colleges and Universities in Preparing the Workforce for the Massachusetts Life Science Initiative."

"You're the fuel that makes us go," said O'Sullivan referring to the "brain power" of the region's higher education community. "Everyone here is pitching in to provide the student power."

Consortium institutions feature more than 30,000 students and 11,000 faculty and staff. In the last five years, eight life sciences buildings have been built by Consortium institutions according to O'Sullivan. Central Massachusetts features several institutions that are leading the way in the life science initiative including: the Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park, Gateway Park (WPI) and Worcester Technical High School.

According to O'Sullivan, Central Massachusetts has several advantages over the Cambridge/Boston area when it comes to the location of new life science companies. The Central Mass. region is close enough to Boston, but removed enough to avoid commuting and cost disadvantages. There are lesser restrictions and permits required in Central Mass. and the area is centrally located near interstates 290, 495, 146, and 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike).

"This isn't Worcester against Boston," said O'Sullivan. "This is about Massachusetts competing on a global stage."

(Pictured above right (l to r): Dr. Susan Wyckoff, vice president for academic affairs, Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc.; Dr. Deborah Harmon-Hines, associate vice chancellor for school services, UMass Medical School; Kevin O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives)