The National Biomedical Research Foundation has awarded a $1.3M grant to Bentley University to establish a Center for Integration of Science and Industry, under the direction of Dr. Fred Ledley, Professor of Natural & Applied Sciences and Management. The mission of the Center will be to understand the process involved in scientific discovery leading to public value, and accelerate this process by engaging science and industry in interdisciplinary dialogue, scholarship, and education.
“We are living in a golden age of scientific discovery,” said Dr. Ledley, “and the public expects that these discoveries will create a better future by providing advances such as new treatments for disease, clean energy, improved crops, good jobs, and economic growth. Industry, however, is often unable to effectively integrate new scientific potentials with existing business practices. As a result, organizations often struggle to translate scientific discoveries into successful products and sustainable businesses.
The initial focus of the Center is to promote innovative business models for the biopharmaceutical industry that could accelerate the development of novel therapeutic products, such as monoclonal antibodies or gene therapy, and improve economic returns.
The grant will also support Bentley undergraduate students who are interested in conducting research relevant to the Center’s mission. Students will assist faculty and be mentored through independent projects.
“The Center for Integration of Science and Industry is a great fit for Bentley,” said Bentley President Gloria Larson. “Our academic model is focused on bringing business and arts & sciences faculty together to find smart, interdisciplinary solutions to societal problems. I am particularly excited about the opportunities for hands-on learning by our students and the exposure to new technologies that will prepare our students for careers in the science-driven economy of the future.”
The Center’s launch will be celebrated on February 27th with an inaugural symposium titled “Succeeding at the Inventor’s Business.” It will bring together inventors of three technologies that led to multi-billion dollar markets, along with entrepreneurs and executives who have successfully traversed the path from scientific discovery to commercial success.
For more information, please visit the Center’s website, call 781-891-2984 or email center@scienceandindustry.org.
THE NATIONAL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION is a not for-profit, 503(c) (3) Corporation that has been engaged in research and education in biology and medicine since 1960. The Foundation’s mission is to “conduct and support research and education related to science and the translation of scientific and technical discoveries into practical applications for the public benefit.”