To celebrate and recognize the outstanding advocacy for and support of biotechnology educational programs in Massachusetts, the MassBioEd Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual Champions for Biotechnology Education Awards Reception on Wednesday, November 8th at the UMass Club in Boston.
The following individuals and company will be honored as the 2017 Champions for Biotechnology Education:
Dr. Jeffrey Leiden, President and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Leiden has supported many STEM education initiatives, such as the development of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Learning Lab and partnership with Boston Public Schools. He has made valuable contributions as Co-Chair on Massachusetts Governor Baker’s STEM Advisory Council. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is also a valued, innovative partner in MassBioEd’s education programs.
David Enos and Eric Leigh, Gloucester High School Science Teachers
Dedicated educators, David and Eric, are committed to providing students high quality, engaging and relevant life sciences curriculum that prepares them for the 21st century. They developed a Biotechnology class at Gloucester High School and continue to work towards their goal of building it into a full-year course and certificate program. They also recruit students into Gloucester Biotechnology Academy vocational program, which helps to illuminate biotechnology career pathways for high school graduates.
Sanofi Genzyme 
The biopharmaceutical company with the largest presence in Massachusetts and a long history of community engagement, Sanofi Genzyme has supported numerous philanthropic efforts over the years, such as the Science Club for Girls and Cradles to Crayons. Sanofi Genzyme has been an instrumental partner for MassBioEd in expanding its education programs.
Individual donations for the reception are $150 and all proceeds of the evening go towards supporting MassBioEd, which focuses on growing the life sciences workforce. We’re projecting that the industry will need to fill nearly 12,000 new jobs in the next 5 years, and that starts with getting young people excited and engaged in the life sciences.
We hope you’ll congratulate these honorees for the important work they’re doing to ensure our industry can continue its impressive growth and attract the best and brightest young minds.
If you’re interested in attending the reception, you can register here.