Purdue helps state build its competitive advantage in life sciences
From Dean of Agriculture Victor Lechtenberg

There is a growing recognition in Indiana of the critical role that research institutions like Purdue and Indiana universities play in positioning the state to become a world leader in the life sciences industry.

Indiana's business and government leaders recognize that advances in life sciences, advanced manufacturing and information technology are first discovered and nurtured by research faculty before they can develop into vibrant new companies. These companies, in turn, create desirable, high-paying jobs for university graduates and help build a skilled workforce.

Last year, leaders of Indiana's top research, academic and economic development organizations joined together to launch the Central Indiana Life Sciences Initiative, a collaborative effort to increase the number of jobs, businesses and research opportunities in the life sciences industry.

Indiana has a cluster of pharmaceutical and agricultural sciences companies, medical devices and instrument manufacturers, hospitals and laboratories, and other allied industries that represent a formidable economic force. When coupled with the research capability and the intellectual horsepower that reside at Purdue and IU, the result is a life sciences corridor stretching from Bloomington to Indianapolis to West Lafayette that could catapult Indiana to the fore of a new life sciences economy.

People who are familiar with Purdue's strong teaching, research and Extension programs have spread the word to their friends and neighbors about the economic possibilities that can be realized through investment in the life sciences. Thanks to efforts like the Central Indiana Life Sciences Initiative, we're seeing a growing number of Indiana citizens who are excited about the potential for economic development that originates in our research universities.

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