April 28, 2021 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – Today, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio®) announced that Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer, Moderna, will be the 2021 recipient of the Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award. The award will be presented during MassBio’s annual meeting, the State of Possible Conference, which will take place virtually on May 19, 2021.
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. Bancel’s profound influence and accomplishments in Massachusetts, and at a global scale, exceed these criteria in every way.
“For years, Stéphane Bancel worked in the heart of Kendall Square, taking bold steps and thoughtful risks in a research-stage company. Today, as we reflect on a year defined by one of the most tragic global pandemics of our time, it is abundantly clear that Stéphane epitomizes what is possible in Massachusetts and for our industry,” said Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, President and COO, MassBio. “His impact is not merely confined to Massachusetts or the even the United States, but rather extends across globe. With Stéphane at the helm, Moderna became a true Massachusetts success story – from a small biotech to a world-leading company. We are proud to recognize his contributions and celebrate his incredible success.”
Bancel joined Moderna in 2011 when the company had just one employee and was committed to exploring the potential of messenger RNA to change the course of serious diseases. Most recently, Bancel and his world class team of now more than 1,300 have led the charge in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In a mere 42 days after the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was published, Bancel and his team translated the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 into a breakthrough mRNA vaccine, and by March 16, 2020 the first human volunteer was dosed. With Bancel at the helm, Moderna has become an established pioneer of mRNA technology and a disruptive leader in the life sciences.
“I am humbled to receive this year’s Henri A. Termeer Award, named in honor of a renowned leader, innovator, and mentor in our industry. Henri was a visionary who inspired so many, including me. As a member of Moderna’s Board of Directors, he was an incredible mentor to me. Receiving this award named for Henri means so much to me,” said Stéphane Bancel, CEO, Moderna. “Together, the life sciences industry has accomplished extraordinary feats to change the lives of many millions of people around the world, but this is just the beginning. I look forward to working with the Moderna team and my colleagues across the industry to leverage the power of science and find new ways to change the course of devastating diseases and viruses.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to join MassBio as they honor the incredible work and global impact of Stéphane Bancel at MassBio’s State of Possible Conference, which will be held virtually on May 19, 2021. Learn more and register for the event here.
Interested media can register for free by contacting Caroline Pepek.