BIO Welcomes Formation of Rhode Island Life Science Association
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 14, 2005) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that BioGroup, a subsidiary of Rhode Island’s Tech Collective, formed to represent the state’s growing focus within the life science industry. The Tech Collective is a formal alliance of independent technology industry associations in Rhode Island, which today includes the InfoGroup and the BioGroup.
"Rhode Island has already made significant contributions in the field of life sciences," said Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "Our state is home to such institutions as Rhode Island Hospital, the third largest academic medical center in New England; Brown University School of Medicine, one of the nation's leading medical schools; a thriving life science entrepreneurial community led by the Slater Center for Biomedical Technology; and important biotechnology manufacturers like Amgen.
“Recently, the citizens of Rhode Island approved a bond referendum that calls for the construction of a new Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island,” said Governor Carcieri. “We are well on our way to establishing our leadership position in this sector both regionally and nationally. Our relationship with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will help us to continue to develop our national identity in this sector."
“Affiliation with BIO and having the ability to participate in their Council of State Biotech Associations will help us keep abreast of national trends and issues relevant to the sector,” said Katherine O’Dea, executive director of the Tech Collective. “BioGroup’s mission is to foster the growth and innovation in Biotechnology and the Life Sciences in Rhode Island. It was created to serve the specific needs and agenda of the burgeoning life sciences cluster in the state, including sector advocacy, community building and collaboration, workforce development and education reform, economic development and entrepreneurship.”
“We are very pleased to welcome the Rhode Island BioGroup as BIO’s newest state affiliate organization,” said Patrick Kelly, vice president of state government relations for BIO. “We are honored to have the opportunity to work with a robust network of life science associations in the states. There are now 38 states with dedicated life science associations. It is clear from recent activity in Rhode Island, including the formation of the BioGroup, that the state is committed to making the biosciences industry a major part of its economy.”
BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
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