The Maine Life Sciences Network, in collaboration with FocusMaine, convened its third Impact Forum at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute on September 5, 2025. FocusMaine is a founding sponsor of the event, which brought together approximately 85 scientists, along with leaders from academia, the private sector, and government, representing over 40 organizations.

The focus of this year’s gathering was how Maine’s life science community can unlock new ways to understand, reduce, or eliminate PFAS contamination. Professionally facilitated by Giant Innovation, the highly collaborative in-person workshop allowed teams to address a tough challenge, while developing their own innovative potential.

“It’s amazing what can happen when passionate people come together. We didn’t just talk, we actually started shaping a plan and building momentum. I left feeling excited, hopeful, and really grateful to have been part of it,” said attendee Cliff Leavitt, Account Manager at Molecular Biological Research, Agilent Technologies, Inc.

The day began with a keynote from Steven Woodard from ECT2 about the state of PFAS in Maine, and was followed by a panel discussing new directions and opportunities in PFAS Research.

The afternoon was comprised of a series of facilitated breakout team sessions to generate collaborative ideas around research, testing, mitigation, or other PFAS-related issues. At the end of the day, teams pitched their ideas to the group, and attendees were invited to submit proposals for seed funding (up to $50,000) based on ideas generated during the event. The funding opportunity is meant to stimulate multidisciplinary collaboration across institutions to advance a scientific or entrepreneurial project related to PFAS.

Attendee Matt Libby, CEO of Trident Agriculture Solutions, commented, “This was by far the most passionate and well-attended PFAS event I’ve been to, and it’s inspiring to see so many people committed to solving this problem in Maine.”

To learn about last year’s Forum on Algae Research, see page 13 in the FocusMaine Impact Report.

“FocusMaine is honored to have supported the past three Impact Forums, which advance the Maine Life Sciences Network’s mission to foster the exchange of scientific knowledge, align critical resources, and underscore the vital role of collaboration in strengthening Maine’s life sciences sector and driving economic growth,” said Andrea Cianchette Maker, President of FocusMaine.

To stay connected with the Maine Life Sciences Network, join their LinkedIn group.