State of Massachusetts to shake up life sciences group

As of mid-June, State officials are reshuffling the make-up of the Massachusetts Life Science Center, the quasi-public agency created to dole out state investments in biotechnology, a move that includes the role of its director.

Officials have said they wanted to move quickly to establish the state-funded center ­as the funnel for Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed $1 billion state investment in the life sciences, which is earmarked for a wide spectrum of life sciences-related research grants, capital projects, academic fellowships, and business loans.

The center's director, one of its two employees, is expected to play a more significant role in the development of the Bay State's life sciences industry. The center, established in 2006 with a budget of $10 million, is governed by a five-member board, including permanent seats for the president of the University of Massachusetts and two state officials.

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