The Office of Innovation and Business Development and MassTERi will present “Dueling for Dollars: Advancing your research with private sector partners,” a symposium, panel and networking event, on Tuesday, May 30. The event is sponsored by the Mass Biotechnology Council.
“With traditional sources of research funding under pressure, it is more important than ever to find alternative funding to achieve the Medical School’s mission,” says Brendan O’Leary, PhD, executive vice chancellor for innovation and business development and associate professor of molecular medicine. “Private sector partners in the biopharma ecosystem are eager to find academic projects that can help fill their pipelines.”
Panelists at the event include Steve Weinstein, managing director, Novartis Venture Fund; John Hallinan, chief business officer, Massachusetts Biotechnology Council; William Scalzulli, director of investments, The Kraft Group; Bharatt Chowrira, president, PureTech Health; and John Delyani, executive director, business development & licensing, Merck Research Laboratories.
Participants will learn about different types of investors, entrepreneurs and partners; engage with industry leaders; watch a mock pitch session; and enjoy a networking reception.
“UMMS is so grateful that the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council is hosting this event on campus,” said Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn about partnering with the private sector and about alternative careers in the sciences. This is also a unique opportunity to network with some of the best known names in the biotech industry.”
“UMass Medical School has been well known for its amazing research enterprise for many years,” said panelist Weinstein. “However, the private sector is also now realizing the wealth of partnering, investing and collaboration opportunities that exist there and it has set off a ‘gold rush’ mentality. Participating on this panel will be a real privilege and I look forward to meeting many of your researchers.”
The event takes place on May 30 in the Faculty Conference Room from 1:30 to 4 p.m., followed by a reception. Space is limited; attendees must register at https://www.umassmed.edu/massteri