June 2007
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June 2007 |
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Massachusetts
Life Sciences Initiative Takes Shape
Stakeholders Meeting Focuses on Content of $1 Billion Package The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative co-hosted a meeting to gather input on the Life Sciences Initiative, the $1 billion, ten-year commitment to expanding the sector unveiled by Governor Deval Patrick last month. Representatives from industry, higher education, hospitals, finance and government convened for a half-day session on June 21 to offer input as the package is developed. Chairwoman Karin Gilman, President Tom Sommer and board member, Dr. Thomas Moore, represented MassMEDIC at the forum. Governor Patrick, members of the State Legislature and key Administration officials also participated in the program. Meeting attendees provided perspectives on revising the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, promotion of medical research, building the necessary life sciences infrastructure, industry growth, and workforce needs. These views will be considered as the Patrick Administration and the Legislature continues work on drafting the enabling legislation. As proposed, the Life Sciences Initiative would focus on five areas: 1. Funding - $1 billion Over 10 Years • $500 million in capital funds for public higher education and
other facilities and equipment to be used in collaboration with the life
sciences industry. 2. Planning – A Life Sciences Strategy • A reformed and strengthened Massachusetts Life Sciences Center 3. Promoting Research • Massachusetts Life Science Fellowship Grants “Gap Funding” 4. Building the Innovation Infrastructure • Strengthen life science research in academic health centers and
research institutions 5. Commercialization of Medical Technology • Funding for device and drug development that lead to manufacturing
in Massachusetts.
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