Award Recognizes Contributions to Economic Development in Massachusetts
March 23, 2015 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) announced today that Dr. Michael F. Collins, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School will be honored with the 2015 MassBio Leading Impact Award.
The award, given at the MassBio Annual Meeting on March 26th, was developed by MassBio’s Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) to annually recognize significant contributions of individuals or organizations in the arena of local, regional, and state economic development that have improved the competitiveness of Massachusetts as a destination for the life sciences industry.
“Chancellor Collins has worked across the university to forge new and innovative partnerships with the life sciences industry. Under his charge, UMass has built one of the largest and most impactful R&D portfolios in Massachusetts, and the university is now positioned to serve as a premier academic partner for industry. We thank Chancellor Collins for his vision and commitment,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio.
Beginning in 2008, Chancellor Collins was charged with leading the UMass System’s Life Science Task Force on a clear mission: to establish the University of Massachusetts as the premier public partner for the Commonwealth’s thriving life sciences. The resulting strategic initiatives tremendously fortified and improved UMass’ life sciences capacity. This impact is evident in the data: the number of UMass students graduating with life sciences degrees has grown by 70 percent between 2007-2013, licensing revenues generated by UMass rank it second in Massachusetts and 15th in the nation, 22 inter-campus research projects have been funded, and numerous new partnerships with external stakeholders are serving as drivers of innovation across the Commonwealth. Dr. Collins has been a key leader in supporting $1.2 billion in life sciences infrastructure investments across the University.
“The life sciences in Massachusetts have made tremendous strides due to the leadership and vision Chancellor Collins provides at UMass Medical School and to the Commonwealth. We are very privileged to have the Chancellor as part of our team, and congratulate him on this outstanding recognition,” said UMass President Robert L. Caret.
Leading Impact awardees are those individuals and organizations that have successfully worked to improve the competitiveness of Massachusetts as a destination for the life sciences industry. Massachusetts’ research hospitals, universities, highly skilled workforce, and well-developed entrepreneurial and investment communities form a supportive ecosystem that drives innovation forward, making Massachusetts a premier location for life sciences.
Collins is the fourth recipient of this award. Past recipients include former Governor Deval Patrick (2014), Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives in Worcester, MA (2013), and Pfizer’s Center for Therapeutic Innovation at the Center for Life Sciences in Boston, MA (2012).
This year’s award presentation will be held at MassBio’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, MA.
About MassBio
www.massbio.org
MassBio, a not-for-profit organization that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts biotechnology industry, is the nation’s oldest biotechnology trade association. Founded in 1985, MassBio is committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide.
Representing over 650 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and healthcare, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.
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