Building a Stronger Life Sciences Network in Georgia

Building a Stronger Life Sciences Network in Georgia



February 26, 2025-We are excited to invite you to take an active role in shaping the future of Georgia's life sciences community. Whether you're an experienced professional or passionate about making an impact, there are opportunities for you to contribute, grow, and connect with fellow leaders in the field.

 

Georgia Life Sciences currently has several new groups that will work together to support and advance Georgia's life sciences industry: 

 

1. Mentorship Network:
This initiative connects emerging professionals with experienced mentors in the life sciences space. By sharing your expertise and guidance, you'll help foster the next generation of innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Become a mentor.

 

2. Summit Planning Committee:
The Life Sciences Summit is one of Georgia's premier events, and we need your help in organizing a memorable and impactful experience. As a committee member, you'll have the opportunity to influence the agenda, secure speakers, and collaborate with industry leaders to showcase Georgia's life sciences sector. Apply today.

 

3. Entrepreneurship Committee:
Georgia is home to a vibrant community of biotech, medtech, and pharma innovators. The Entrepreneurship Subcommittee is dedicated to helping startups and growing companies navigate challenges, access resources, and scale effectively. We need forward-thinking individuals to support and mentor this dynamic ecosystem. Learn about our committees.

 

4. Emerging Leaders Network:

Georgia Life Sciences' Emerging Leaders Network builds strong, supportive networks for PhDs, postdoctoral fellows, and early career professionals, and leverages the state’s life sciences connectivity to foster growth, collaboration, and career advancement opportunities. Seasoned individuals will provide invaluable advice, guidance, and mentorship, leveraging their experiences and insights to help new leaders avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their growth. Join the collective.

 

5. HR Network:

Our HR network serves as a place where HR professionals may come together to focus on organizational development and talent management specific to Georgia’s life sciences industry. Join the network.

 

6. Manufacturing Council:

The Georgia Life Sciences’ Manufacturers Council was established to provide late stage clinical and commercial phase members with a vehicle to advocate for industry interests, including but not limited to quality, regulatory, infrastructure, safety, and workforce training issues. Join the Council. 

 

Why Get Involved?

  • Make an Impact: Play a crucial role in shaping the future of life sciences in Georgia.
  • Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals, innovators, and leaders.
  • Grow Professionally: Contribute to meaningful projects that will enhance your skill set and build your resume.

 

We would love for you to be part of one of these exciting initiatives and encourage you to share with your contacts.

 

If you are interested in joining any of these groups or would like more information, please reach out to Stacey Bowlin, sbowlin@galifesciences.org, or simply reply to this email.

 

Thank you for considering these opportunities. We look forward to your participation!

Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.

GLS Joins Georgia Partners in Calling for Federal PBM Reform

December 7, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences is proud to stand with patient advocates, providers, and employers across the state in urging Congress to take meaningful action on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. We recently signed on to a joint letter to Georgia’s Congressional Delegation stressing the urgent need for transparency, fair practices, and policies that ensure savings flow directly to patients.

GLS’ President and CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe in December's issue of Georgia Trend

December 4, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences’ CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe shares her perspective on the value of Georgia’s research universities in this month’s issue of Georgia Trend. “Georgia research institutions have felt a very significant impact from the federal rollbacks, specifically in NIH and NSF funding. Thacker Goethe’s message about the impact of research cuts is simple: Disruption shatters the foundational trust researchers have in grant continuity….” To read the full article, click here .
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