Trenton, March 13, 2026 ― The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ – www.hinj.org), hosted a forum today titled “Pulse: Saving Lives Globally, Driving Our Economy Locally.” Held at Middlesex College in Edison, this seminar was designed to inform industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders about the state of New Jersey’s life sciences and our leading role in advancing global health.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill delivered the keynote address, and the event included two panel discussions (details and photos below) featuring speakers representing the patient advocacy, life sciences, academic, workforce, business, and policy communities.
Governor Mikie Sherrill said, “From the band-aid to immunotherapies, New Jersey is leading the world in curing diseases and helping people live longer, with less pain and greater independence. Our life sciences companies invest billions of dollars and untold research hours at a breakneck pace to discover new, cutting-edge treatments and medical technologies that save patients’ lives across the country and the globe, all while serving as the engine powering New Jersey’s workforce and economy. I’m excited to work closely with our life sciences sector to boost innovation and create good-paying jobs in the Garden State, as we continue to cement our reputation as the Medicine Chest of the World.”
“New Jersey is known as the ‘Medicine Chest of the World’ due to our leading life sciences companies and world-class innovation ecosystem that saves lives every day,” said Chrissy Buteas, President and CEO of HINJ. “With 2,400 life science firms and a world-class workforce, New Jersey continues to be a global leader in advancing medical innovation. We are proud to partner with Governor Sherrill to strengthen our innovation ecosystem and preserve New Jersey’s global leadership and jobs while discovering new cures for patients everywhere.”
Emily Meyers, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation NJ Chapter, said, “At the Arthritis Foundation, we see every day how life sciences innovation translates into hope for millions of patients living with chronic conditions. Continued investment in research and AI-driven advances are helping to accelerate the discovery of new treatments, but the collaboration with patient advocacy organizations is critical to informing the direction of the research and discovery process. We value the partnerships between patients and companies that events like today’s highlight, and the support of the innovation ecosystem that makes medical progress possible.”
Michele Siekerka, President & CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, said, “New Jersey is truly the Innovation State, and our life sciences companies are the backbone of our workforce and innovation economy. The collaborations between our companies, academic institutions, construction workforce, vendor network, research institutions and policymakers make us a key global leader in advancing human health. To maintain that leadership, it is essential that federal and state policymakers pursue smart, forward-looking policies that encourage research, investment, and innovation. The right policy environment will ensure New Jersey remains the premier hub for life sciences and ensures our continued economic growth.”
PROGRAM and PHOTOS
Keynote Address: Hon. Mikie Sherrill, Governor, State of New Jersey
Panel 1: “Innovating for Patients: The Next Generation of Treatments and Cures”
Description: A fast-paced look at how New Jersey’s life sciences sector is advancing the next wave of treatments and cures—from AI-driven efficiencies to sustainable innovation, patient-centered design, and public-private partnerships that improve access and equity.
Moderator: Chrissy Buteas, President & CEO, HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ)
Panelists:
- Peter Mesenbrink, PhD., Executive Director Biostatistics, Advanced Quantitative Sciences Development, Novartis
- Emily Meyers, Executive Director, Arthritis Foundation NJ Chapter
Panel 2: “Growing NJ’s Innovation Economy: Federal and State Policy Impacts”
Description: A discussion on how emerging federal and state policies are influencing New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem, shaping investment, research, manufacturing, and the state’s competitiveness in the life sciences and technology sectors.
Moderator: Michele Siekerka, President & CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association
Panelists:
- Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D., President, Rowan University
- Dan Leonard, Executive Director, We Work For Health
- Christopher Paladino, President, DEVCO
- William F. Tate IV, Ph.D., President, Rutgers University
- Cyndie Williams, Executive Director, Carpenter Contractor Trust
This event was held with support from the Carpenter Contractor Trust, Choose New Jersey, DEVCO, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Rutgers University, Rowan University, Middlesex County, New Jersey Business and Industry Association, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, and Rey Financial Group.