Governor Addresses Annual Meeting of Graduate School of Biomedical Science

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today joined faculty, students and partners of the University of Maine's Graduate School of Biomedical Science at their annual meeting. Three years ago the Governor welcomed the first 12 students of the school. The biomedical school was a signature initiative of the Governor, outlined in his 2005 State of the State Address.

The Governor said that the graduate school increases opportunities for higher education and workforce training and builds the capacity in Maine for research and development, technology and innovation to thrive, attracting more good-paying jobs to the state.

"Three years ago I stood here to celebrate this bold step and its promise to better align our education system with Maine's research and development strengths," said Governor Baldacci. "I am pleased to see the graduate students here today who are working toward their dreams and in turn will add to the capacity of the State to harness the promise of biomedical research."

The graduate school is a collaborative effort between a number of vibrant research institutions in the State: the University of Maine; the University of Southern Maine; the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine; the Jackson Laboratory; the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory; Maine Medical Center Research Institute; and Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems.

"Building our research and development is an important part of my economic plan to grow good paying jobs in Maine," said the Governor. "Even in these tough economic times, we know we have to make investments in Maine's future. That means building on the innovation, hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of Maine people to generate new knowledge, build new companies, transform existing industries and create jobs."

The graduate school today unveiled a new Governor John E. Baldacci Student Award for Outstanding Presentation in Biomedical Sciences. The award will be given at subsequent annual meetings of the Graduate School of Biomedical Science. It was named for Governor Baldacci in recognition of his support for the creation of the program.

Source