August 20, 2020 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio®) today announced that Abbie Celniker, Ph.D., Partner at Third Rock Ventures, will receive the Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award during its 2020 State of Possible Conference on August 26th.
This annual award was created to honor individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth and success of the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. Eligible recipients must represent a strong commitment to Massachusetts, be a leader in their communities, and exhibit leadership to employees by creating a positive work environment. Abbie’s influence and accomplishments exceed these criteria in every way.
“Abbie has long been a fixture in the life sciences industry in Massachusetts, launching and building several companies over her career and in turn making an incredible impact in bringing new therapies to patients in need,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO, MassBio. “She has been a driving force in improving equity, diversity and inclusion in the life sciences – an industry that has historically been male dominated – and was the catalyst behind MassBio’s ED&I initiatives. We’re honored to recognize Abbie’s significant contributions to the #1 life sciences cluster in the world.”
With over 30 years of experience, Abbie has held several senior leadership positions – including CEO and board roles – at both established and early stage life sciences companies. She has played leadership roles in the advancement of numerous drugs, working with teams to shepherd them through the clinic, the regulatory process, and onto the market where they are now benefitting the lives of patients. She held R&D strategy roles at large biopharma companies including Genentech, Millennium, and Novartis, and now leverages her industry expertise to build and grow the most innovative startups from the ground up.
During her two-year term as Chair of MassBio’s Board of Directors, Abbie led an initiative to close the gender diversity gap in the life sciences industry, which has now expanded to encompass all aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion. She helped MassBio establish best practices for companies to advance women and minorities in their careers and took the lead on collecting data from employers and employees related to the advancement of women in life sciences. This initiative set the pace and tone for inclusion in the biotech community through advocacy, outreach, and education.
“Receiving this year’s Termeer Innovative Leadership award is quite an honor. I am so proud of all we have accomplished as an industry and I don’t see the pace of our progress showing any signs of diminishing. Our commitment to innovation is unrivaled, and I am motivated by the exciting science and technologies continuing to emerge to address society’s most devastating diseases,” said Dr. Celniker. “But as innovators and leaders, we have more work to do. My hope for the coming decade is that we apply the same innovative thinking and bold leadership to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion across our industry. We cannot meet our full potential without drawing from the best talent across the globe, no matter gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religion, or otherwise.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to join MassBio as they honor the work and impact of Abbie Celniker at MassBio’s State of Possible Conference on Wednesday, August 26th, which will be held virtually. Learn more and register for the event here.
Media can register for free by emailing Jennifer Nason.