Biotherapies Pavilion Participant Spotlight: Life Science Tennessee

AABB interviewed Abby Trotter, Executive Director of Life Science Tennessee, a participating organization at the inaugural Biotherapies Pavilion at the 2023 AABB Annual Meeting. Read the interview below to learn more about the Life Science Tennessee team.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? Where are you from? What is your role at Life Science Tennessee and how long have you been part of the team?

My name is Abby Trotter. I’m originally from Oak Ridge, TN, but have lived and worked in Nashville for nearly 30 years. I’m the executive director of Life Science Tennessee, a position I have proudly served since 2012.

What about Life Science Tennessee? When was it founded? What products and services do you provide? What is your mission and how many people work there?

Life Science Tennessee is a statewide member organization whose mission is to advance and grow the industry through advocacy, partnership and alignment with workforce and economic development activities. Our members include companies, universities, research institutions, government and economic development groups and other industry associations involved in the discovery and application of life sciences products and related services that improve the health and well-being of people throughout the world. We are part of a national organization called the Council of State Biotechnology Associations (CSBA) managed through BIO.

What would you say has been the biggest challenge for Life Science Tennessee in the past five years?

The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the industry. We developed and delivered cures and therapies based on decades of research, including those developed right here in Tennessee. Our challenge, or opportunity, is to leverage this spotlight for continued investment in innovative research. Many companies in our state research and develop life-saving therapies, vaccines, and medical devices while providing high-paying jobs to Tennesseans. We are at risk of stifling innovation with proposals that initiate restrictive pricing and access. We must continue to educate policymakers and the general public about the impact of the industry.