Boston, Massachusetts (8/25/2025) – BioConnects New England (BCNE), a multi-state coalition that aims to connect hubs throughout New England to support existing and establish new biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment, proudly announces that Dr. Jared Auclair, co-lead of BCNE, has been named the 2025 Champion Public Advocate by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd).
This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional advocacy for equitable access to STEM education and workforce development in the life sciences sector. MassBioEd, a nonprofit organization on a mission to build a sustainable life sciences workforce across Massachusetts, annually honors an organization, an educator, a student, and a public advocate whose efforts have significantly contributed to science literacy and advancing biotechnology education across the Commonwealth.
Dr. Auclair will be celebrated alongside fellow awardees at the 10th Annual Champions for Biotechnology Education Awards Gala to be held on October 22nd at the UMass Club in Boston.
“I’m honored to be recognized by MassBioEd and proud to be part of a movement that’s shaping a more inclusive and innovative life sciences landscape,” said Dr. Auclair. “At BCNE, we are committed to creating accessible pathways to careers in the life sciences, no matter what type of degree a person holds. We’re grateful for our partnership with MassBioEd and our shared mission. With their support we have been able to teach and train more than 500 learners for careers in one of the most lucrative industries in the region.”
In addition to his leadership at BioConnects New England, Dr. Auclair is the Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Director of Bioinnovation at Northeastern University.
About BioConnects New England
BioConnects New England is a multi-state coalition dedicated to creating a robust and inclusive biomanufacturing cluster in the regions of Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island. This coalition connects hubs throughout New England to support existing—and establish new—biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations that have been historically excluded from the biotechnology industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in New England with national importance.
Created through a Phase 1 Finalist grant through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge in 2021, BioConnects New England has grown to include nine coalition members – The Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory at Northeastern University, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, The I-195 Design and Innovation District in Providence, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce, The University of Rhode Island, and FocusMaine – and over 40 partners across the northeast
For more information about BioConnects New England, please email team@bioconnectsne.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bioconnects-new-england/ on LinkedIn.
