Kevin Leslie, a former startup program coordinator for Virginia Commonwealth University, has been appointed as the executive director of the new Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium. The consortium, a $14 million project funded by the 2019 General Assembly regular session, is a partnership between Sentara Healthcare, Old Dominion University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School, with the aim of boosting bioscience research and entrepreneurship and improving health care in the Hampton Roads region. Leslie’s role will involve managing and coordinating all community stakeholders and he hopes to involve community members and entrepreneurs in the project. The establishment of the consortium will be a multi-year process with the ultimate goal of becoming self-sustaining through public and private grant funding.
Introduction
A startup program coordinator for Virginia Commonwealth University has been selected to lead a $14 million biomedical research project in Hampton Roads.
Appointment of Kevin Leslie
Leaders at Sentara Healthcare, Old Dominion University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School have selected Kevin Leslie as executive director of the new Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium.
Goals of the Consortium
The consortium, a partnership between Sentara and the two schools, is designed to jump-start bioscience research and entrepreneurship while promoting health care improvements in Hampton Roads, Leslie said.
Legislative Support and Data Analysis
The program was created during the 2019 General Assembly regular session, when lawmakers appropriated $14 million in the state budget. The consortium is also analyzing anonymous Medicaid patient data from the region, aiming to produce extensive benefits for the community.
Role of Kevin Leslie
Leslie envisions his role in the consortium as managing and coordinating all the community stakeholders. Beyond the three member institutions, he hopes to reach community members and entrepreneurs.
Experience and Expertise
Before coming to Hampton Roads, Leslie was the associate director of VCU Ventures, a program at the Richmond college that helps faculty and staff launch startup companies. Foster said in a release that Leslie knows the Virginia biotech ecosystem and understands public and private funding opportunities.
Program Development and Sustainability
Setting up the program will be a multiyear process, with the ultimate goal of becoming self-sustaining through public and private grant funding. Graduate students will also gain valuable experience in projects that will strengthen their dissertations and scientific potential after they leave ODU.
Contact Information
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@insidebiz.com
Question & Answer
Who has been appointed as the executive director of the new Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium?
Kevin Leslie, a former startup program coordinator for Virginia Commonwealth University, has been appointed as the executive director of the new Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium.
What is the goal of the consortium?
The consortium, a partnership between Sentara Healthcare, Old Dominion University, and Eastern Virginia Medical School, aims to boost bioscience research and entrepreneurship and improve health care in the Hampton Roads region.
How was the consortium funded?
The $14 million project was funded by the 2019 General Assembly regular session.
What is Kevin Leslie’s role in the consortium?
Kevin Leslie’s role involves managing and coordinating all community stakeholders and he hopes to involve community members and entrepreneurs in the project.
What is the ultimate goal for the consortium’s sustainability?
The ultimate goal is for the consortium to become self-sustaining through public and private grant funding, with a multi-year process of establishment.