Competition to recognize the local nonprofit ecosystem’s role in fueling the Massachusetts life sciences cluster
Competition to recognize the local nonprofit ecosystem’s role in fueling the Massachusetts life sciences cluster
October 31, 2018 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) — The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio®) today announced the six finalists for its Petri Dish Nonprofit Pitch Challenge, a competition to recognize the local life sciences and healthcare nonprofit ecosystem’s role in fueling the Massachusetts life sciences cluster. The event will include “elevator pitch” coaching for all eligible nonprofit applicants, regardless of if they made it to the finals, as well as a networking reception while the judges make their decisions. The first prize winner will receive a one-year MassBio nonprofit membership and a $2,000 cash award courtesy of Life Science Cares. First and second runners-up will receive AmEx gift cards of $250 and $150 respectively.
“Nonprofit companies in the life sciences industry in Massachusetts play an incredible role in supporting and strengthening the entire cluster,” said Chris Lindgren, Director of Programming at MassBio. “When we uncovered just how many nonprofits exist here, it became clear that the opportunities for industry to partner with these organizations and tap into their extensive networks are endless.”
The six finalists for the Petri Dish challenge include:
Boston Postdoctoral Association
We are a regional coalition of postdoc associations and postdoc representatives from 17 Boston area Postdoctoral Associations. Our aim is to foster a sense of community, encourage increased communication, and aid in creating a collaborative environment among postdocs by advocacy efforts and organizing social and career development events to bring together postdocs across the Greater Boston Area.
Cures Within Reach for Cancer
Cures Within Reach for Cancer is developing new cancer treatments using inexpensive drugs that are already FDA-approved for other indications and have a long history of safe patient use. Our main objectives are to identify the therapies with the strongest evidence of effectiveness for cancer, facilitate definitive clinical trials, and create sustainable funding models. We are building the Oncology Repurposing EngineTM for systematic evidence synthesis and analysis, prioritization of repurposing opportunities, and scoping of clinical trials. This information hub will be freely available to researchers, clinicians, patients, and healthcare payers to democratize insights.
Future of Research (FoR)
Future of Research (FoR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created for and by early career researchers to make the research enterprise more sustainable for future generations. Our mission is to champion, engage, and empower early career researchers with evidence-based resources to improve the research endeavor.
Health Resources in Action
Health Resources in Action is a leader in developing programs that advance public health and medical research. We work with governments, communities, scientists, and nonprofit organizations that share an imperative for resolving today’s most critical public health issues through policy, research, prevention, and health promotion.
International Association for Premenstrual Disorders
A not-for-profit organization providing education, support, advocacy, and resources for those affected by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation of underlying disorders (PME). IAPMD’s mission is to provide women, trans-men, and non-binary assigned female at birth/AFAB communities with the education, support, resources, and tools necessary to live healthy lives, reduce interpersonal conflict, and eliminate self-harm.
NEDMDG
The New England Drug Metabolism Discussion Group was founded 19 years ago by 8 renowned researchers and industry leaders. NEDMDG provides a common forum for discussions about topics in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) research among industry and academic scientists drawn from a range of disciplines. To accomplish its mission, NEDMDG sponsors periodic meetings to promote a vigorous exchange of ideas and information about technologies and on-going research at the cutting edge of DMPK.
Register to attend MassBio’s 2018 Petri Dish Nonprofit Pitch Challenge and network with these organizations.
Download the MassBio Life Sciences and Healthcare Nonprofit List to learn more about the nonprofit ecosystem.
Interested media can obtain a more comprehensive list with contact information by contacting Jennifer Nason at Jennifer.Nason@massbio.org.
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About MassBio
MassBio is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts life sciences industry. MassBio is committed to advancing Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry, add value to the healthcare system and improve patient lives. Representing more than 1000+ 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, events, industry information, and services. Learn more at www.massbio.org.
