Life Sciences Lunch Series

Diversity in Innovation

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in conjunction with the National Council for Expanding American Innovation (NCEAI), is developing a national strategy to build a more demographically, geographically, and economically inclusive innovation ecosystem. The USPTO has been specifically charged with producing a report concerning patenting and entrepreneurship activities among women, minorities, and veterans. In response to a recent call for public comment on the report, several Indiana organizations responded, outlining their efforts to increase diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the innovation space. Please join us as we hear from local leaders on the importance of D&I to the future of the life sciences, learn about some of the steps currently being taken to improve D&I in our community, and get their thoughts on where there is still more work to be done.

• Kristin Jones, President and CEO, Indiana Health Industry Forum

• Deborah Pollack-Milgate, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

• Arvie Anderson, Senior Director, IP Policy and Procurement, Eli Lilly and Company
• Jay McGill, Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Bioscience Research Institute
• Julia Saltsgaver, Executive Director, Quality Connection
• James Wilson, Assistant Regional Director, USPTO