BEDC's Life Sciences Partnership kicks off new program

Feb. 14--The Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership has started a new program to connect those in the industry and academia.

Linda Malkas, a professor of medicine at Indiana University, kicked off the inaugural "Life Sciences on Tap" with a special presentation this past week to about 35 researchers and industry professionals.

The Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership is an initiative of the Bloomington Economic Development Corp, which works to retain, develop and attract jobs.

The purpose of Life Sciences on Tap is to strengthen the life sciences cluster in south central Indiana by establishing bonds and connections among people involved in conceiving, developing, manufacturing and commercializing healthcare products.

The new series of talks will take place every other month and will consist of a 30-minute presentation followed by a question and answer period and a reception.

Malkas' presentation focused on her experiences connecting research with technology transfer and new business creation. Her research in cancer markers led to the creation of a new biotech company, CS Keys, which she cofounded in 2005. It recently closed on $6.25 million in financing, the first investment by Clarian Health Ventures, according to a news release.

For more information about Life Sciences on Tap, contact the BEDC at 335-7346.

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