“You are the pioneers of life sciences”

This is John Kennedy country. A country of knowledge, with its universities, the first of which being Harvard. A place of innovation with MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology). There could be no better destination for anyone that wants to carry out research. This is why Biocell, a Varese-based company at the forefront of stem cell research, has opened a branch right here. And today, Deval Patrick, the governor of Massachusetts, visited the centre to cut the ribbon in its opening. "I’m very proud to welcome you. Your initiative represents a great opportunity for our country, from both a scientific and a working point of view. We believe firmly in the development of biotechnologies, and we hope that Boston will increasingly become a reference point for research and innovation for the whole of the United States. Here, we have the highest concentration of minds and we congratulate Italy, with Biocell, for contributing to this element of excellence. In this way, you are joining a number of pioneers who are making Massachusetts the global leader in stem cell research.

This project is really important and I thank you for coming here. "Governor Patrick’s participation demonstrates the recognition of the importance of the research carried out at this Italian centre, which is the first and only specialized in cryopreserved stem cells extracted using the amniocentesis procedure. This is groundbreaking work in the life sciences, after the discovery of these cells five years ago. The presence of the governor did not go unnoticed. Five American TV channels, and a number of newspapers reported this day, in anticipation of the convention on Friday and the real inauguration, which will take place on Saturday. In addition to the bio governor, who was awarded for his commitment to life sciences, there were also Liborio Stellino, the Italian Consul in Boston; Paolo Alli, the Principal Private Secretary of the Leader of the Region of Lombardy, Pascal Marnier, the Swiss Consul, Susan Windham, the chairperson of the Massachusetts Life Sciences’ Centre, Michael McGlynn, the Mayor of Medford, where the centre is based. and Robert Coughlin, the chairman of the Massbiotechnology Council. For the occasion, Roberto Formigoni sent his greetings with a video message.

“The existence of Biocell in Boston goes well with the strategies of the Region of Lombardy, which has signed an agreement with Massachusetts for the development of such strategic sectors as biotechnology, nanotechnology and computer science in healthcare, technological innovation and social and human sciences. Our intention is to promote research and development by means of projects that involve Lombard and American Institutions. For this reason we are cooperating actively with some of the most prestigious centres of excellence in the United States, promoting and developing a mutual exchange.”