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The editorial continued, calling the new initiative “just what the state needs,” saying that the “very essence of the life sciences is interdisciplinary, merging together science, engineering and information technology” to bring together the leaders of business, government, and academia.

The first meeting of the Organizing Committee, which is being chaired by Steve Hyman, the Provost at Harvard University, brought to the table more than 20 of the key leaders within the Commonwealth’s Life Sciences mega-cluster. The vision is to create a cross-sector life sciences collaboration and develop a comprehensive, sustainable and integrated Massachusetts strategy to spur life sciences growth. The Organizing Committee will form a permanent Life Sciences Leadership Council as soon as appropriate.

In his adroit introduction to the meeting, MTC Executive Director Mitch Adams noted that the deliberations were taking place under the watchful gazes of sculptures of Benjamin Franklin, one of our nation’s first scientists, and the Marquis de Lafayette, an accomplished politician and leader. To succeed, he continued, “this effort will require both good science and good political sense.” Further, he encouraged the group to act as a strong, vocal “chorus” to address common needs and interests.

The initial discussion focused on developing realistic, shared goals – both long-term efforts that may require substantial political capital and shorter-term achievements that represent quick wins.

The range of ideas included:

1. a focus on phase one and two clinical trials
2. an increase in water supply for manufacturing facilities
3. workforce development and the need for a skilled, diverse technical workforce
4. improved transportation infrastructure
5. improved connectivity in a flattened world
6. the need for more financing for early stage development in medical devices
7. inclusion of the bio-energy sector at the table
8. the need for a demonstration project to jumpstart the work of the initiative

Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, spoke about the importance of collaboration and “the tremendous defining power and political influence of such a group” in making connections and creating a big-picture vision for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts.

As one of its first tasks, the Organizing Committee will be drafting a letter in January to send to newly elected Governor Deval Patrick, outlining the challenges and opportunities to work closely with the new administration.

In addition, the initial key areas of focus of the Organizing Committee will include a survey of the Life Sciences environment conducted by Monitor Group, and planning for BIO 2007.

BIO 2007, which is the largest annual international conference for the “biopharma” industry, will be held in May 2007 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. More than 25,000 are expected to attend from all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

In support of development of a pavilion to showcase the Massachusetts Life Sciences mega-cluster, MTC’s John Adams Innovation Institute is making a $150,000 grant to the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council to develop a centralized pavilion at BIO 2007.

A convening of stakeholders is tentatively planned for the fall of 2007.

Initial financial support for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Collaborative is being provided by The Boston Foundation, Harvard University, the University of Massachusetts, and MTC’s John Adams Innovation Institute.

Glen Comiso, the Director of Life Sciences and Health at MTC, will be coordinating the activities of the new initiative.

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Partner organizations in this effort include the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, MassMEDIC, the New England Healthcare Institute, and the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council.