Bridging Innovation and Community: Reflections from an Inspiring Evening at Indiana University
In early February, the Center for the Business of Life Sciences at the Kelley School hosted over 120 passionate IU students (graduate & undergraduate business, science and healthcare majors) who gathered to engage with leaders from local life science companies in partnership with the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation. The event provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with industry pioneers from Boston Scientific, Novo Nordisk, Simtra BioPharma Solutions, and Cook Medical. More than just an introduction to local companies, the evening fostered genuine connections between students and professionals eager to mentor and share their journeys.
A quote from Pete Yonkman, President of Cook Medical, set the tone for the evening with a powerful message that resonated deeply with attendees. He stated: “We get our hands dirty. We get down in the trenches. We listen, get involved, get our employees involved, and work with other organizations. It’s that deeper connection that companies must develop in their communities.”
Read more about the Bridging Innovation and Community event
State Update
The Indiana General Assembly was on a planned one-week break during the eighth week of the legislative session and will return to Indianapolis for the second half on Monday, March 3. The IU Statehouse Update will return on Friday, March 7.
Federal Update
This week’s Federal Update covers Congressional, Executive Branch and Judicial Branch activities of interest in Washington, D.C.
Read the Federal Update
Economic Engagement Update
IU Statewide Community Engagement Institute happening this spring
The IU Center for Rural Engagement and the IU Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement invite Indiana University faculty, staff, and students who are involved in community-engaged work, to participate in the Spring 2025 IU Statewide Community Engagement Institute. Now in its third year, this participant-driven conference brings together representatives from all IU campuses to share best practices, explore collaborative opportunities, and strengthen IU’s community engagement networks. With a focus on interdisciplinary work, student opportunities, and service to the state, the Institute highlights the importance of multi-campus and community collaborations to advance university goals as well as address pressing community issues.
This day-long event will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall at the Indiana Memorial Union on the IU Bloomington campus.
Register here
IU in the News
3 new degrees approved in education and digital forensics
The Indiana University Board of Trustees approved three new degrees at its Feb. 20 meeting that will prepare students for in-demand jobs in education and digital forensics. IU East, IU Indianapolis, IU Columbus, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend and IU Southeast will offer a fully online Master of Science in Education in the science of reading.
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Researchers identify potential link between retinal changes, Alzheimer’s disease
A team of scientists at the Indiana University School of Medicine has identified that an eye condition affecting the retina, the light-sensing tissue in the back of the eye, may serve as an early indicator for Alzheimer's disease. Their findings, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, offer new insights into the potential use of retinal changes as early biomarkers for Alzheimer's, which could improve diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
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IU clinic finds answers for people living with undiagnosed diseases
According to a 2021 study published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, there are approximately 7,000-8,000 recognized rare diseases that affect around 30 million people in the United States. Thousands more are yet unnamed. Erin Conboy, MD, associate professor and Francesco Vetrini, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, serve as co-directors of the Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Launched in 2020, the clinic aims to diagnose ultra rare genetic disorders and help families living with unknown diseases.
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Indiana University appoints Patrick E Hopkins as new dean of the Kelley School of Business
Patrick E. Hopkins has been appointed dean of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, effective March 17, 2025. A distinguished member of the Kelley faculty since 1995 and current vice dean, Hopkins is an accomplished leader in business education with extensive experience in both academia and industry. He succeeds Ash Soni, who is concluding a two-year tenure as dean and will return to the faculty after a sabbatical leave.
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