The Termeer Institute, in partnership with MassBio, has launched Termeer Ascend: Leadership in Practice, a values-driven leadership development program designed to prepare senior-level biotech professionals for C-suite roles.
The six-day program addresses a critical industry need: as biotech innovation accelerates, leadership development has not kept pace. Termeer Ascend closes that gap by cultivating the next generation of executive-ready leaders through expert instruction, peer learning, and direct engagement with experienced biotech CEOs.
Program structure: The curriculum spans three two-day modules from May through August 2026:
- Module 1: Values-driven Leadership Essentials (May 18 & 19) – Define who you are as a leader and build high-trust, innovative teams through values, communication, and effective problem-solving.
- Module 2: Technical Essentials (June 15 & 16) – Strengthen the core leadership skills required to influence, negotiate, manage change, and make data-driven decisions in complex environments.
- Module 3: Biotech Executive Edge (August 17 & 18) – Step into executive leadership with confidence by sharpening your vision, board readiness, fundraising capability, and executive presence.
Learn from industry leaders: Each module features a keynote from an accomplished biotech executive:
- Module 1: Maha Radhakrishnan, MD, Executive Partner at Sofinnova Investments
- Module 2: John Maraganore, Former Founding CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
- Module 3: Geoff McDonough, Biotech CEO & Board Chair
Who should apply: Senior Director-level professionals (or equivalent in startups) with 3–5 years of biotech, pharma, medtech, or life sciences experience who aspire to reach C-suite roles within the next 3–5 years. Applicants must have organizational support confirmed through a letter of support.
What makes this different:
- Values-driven executive preparation grounded in the Termeer legacy
- Real-world insights from experienced biotech CEOs across geographies
- Integrated skill-building from leadership foundations through executive-level capabilities
- Durable cross-company networks that strengthen the broader biotech ecosystem
Apply by May 1st:
What we’re saying: “Biotech innovation is outpacing leadership development—and that’s a gap we need to close,” said MassBio CEO & President Kendalle Burlin O’Connell. “Henri Termeer showed us that great science requires great leadership. Through this partnership with the Termeer Institute, we’re honoring that legacy by preparing values-driven leaders who can translate breakthrough science into lasting impact for patients.”
What they’re saying: “Leadership doesn’t happen by accident- it’s built through values, practice, and community,” said Termeer Institute CEO Catharine Smith. “We’re proud to partner with MassBio to deliver Termeer Ascend, a program grounded in the belief that values-driven leadership is essential to advancing science and improving lives. Together, we’re creating space for experienced biotech leaders to strengthen how they lead, at moments when leadership matters most.”
The partnership: MassBio’s deep ecosystem reach combined with the Termeer Institute’s values-driven leadership model creates high-impact programming that strengthens biotech leadership at every stage—improving company execution and resilience while accelerating innovation and patient impact across the industry. MassBio and the Termeer Institute first co-launched the growing CEO & Founder Link, which provides leaders with networking, education around key topics, and a peer community with whom they can collaborate.
Questions? Contact Ben Bradford at MassBio or Erica Mawby-Roche at Termeer Institute.