Biotech Caucus & Life Sciences Leaders Reception Brings Industry and Policymakers Together in Salem
February 12, Salem, Oregon — Oregon’s life sciences community and state and regional policymakers and elected officials gathered in Salem on February 12 for the Biotech Caucus & Life Sciences Leaders Joint Reception, an evening dedicated to strengthening collaboration between industry, government, and economic development partners shaping the future of the state’s life sciences sector.
The reception brought together industry leaders, legislators, and economic development champions for an evening of connection and forward-looking conversation focused on advancing innovation, workforce development, and long-term industry growth across Oregon.
Oregon’s Biotech Caucus, chaired by Representative Hai Pham, includes state legislators as well as regional and local elected officials working to strengthen the link between strategic public policy and economic growth in the life sciences sector. The caucus serves as an important forum for aligning legislative priorities with the needs of a rapidly evolving industry that plays an increasingly significant role in Oregon’s economy.
The reception followed an in-person meeting of the Oregon Life Sciences Manufacturers Forum, led by Astou Gaye of Genentech. Forum members represent companies and organizations across the manufacturing ecosystem and provide industry perspectives on policy, workforce readiness, and supply-chain priorities shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in Oregon.
Stakeholders from across both the public and private sectors rounded out the evening’s attendees, reinforcing the collaborative nature of Oregon’s life sciences ecosystem. The event created a platform for participants to share priorities, strengthen relationships, and lay the groundwork for future initiatives that support innovation and sustainable industry growth statewide.
“Oregon is committed to growing the life science industry, investing in infrastructure, and building an ecosystem where we have world-class innovation and research,” Representative Pham said in a statement. He noted that Senator Sollman and Representative Pham are championing the Oregon Jobs Act in this 2026 legislative session, a bipartisan, bicameral effort intended to help realize this vision.
Events like the Joint Reception highlight the importance of continued dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders as Oregon works to expand opportunity, strengthen its workforce pipeline, and position the state as a competitive hub for life sciences innovation and advanced manufacturing.
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