Building Collaborative Life Science Centers

Omid Veiseh, Professor and CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research in the Departments of Bioengineering & Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, will lead a discussion highlighting world-renown research and partnerships with the Texas Medical Center at Helix Park, including the new Rice BioTech Launch Pad, JLabs and renowned architecture firm Perkins&Will about lessons learned about building and operating these spaces to fit the needs of various constituents and the community. Confirmed speakers include:

1. Omid Veiseh, Rice University
2. Emily Reiser, Director of Strategy & New Ventures for the Texas Medical Center
3. Allison Rhines, Head of Innovation with Johnson & Johnson @ JLABS
4. Lea Anne Leatherwood, AIA, CDT, LEED AP BD+C, Assoc. Principal at Perkins&Will

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SESSION RECAP

Omid Veiseh of Rice University led a fascinating discussion on the future of biotech spaces and research innovation at the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park. The panel explored how cutting-edge facilities like the Rice BioTech Launch Pad, JLABS, and Perkins&Will-designed research spaces are shaping collaboration between scientists, startups, and industry leaders.

Emily Reiser (Texas Medical Center), Allison Rhines (Johnson & Johnson @ JLABS), and Lea Anne Leatherwood (Perkins&Will) shared insights on what it takes to design, build, and operate spaces that drive medical breakthroughs while meeting the needs of researchers, entrepreneurs, and the broader community.

The conversation underscored Texas’s growing role in biotech innovation and the importance of creating environments where science and business can thrive.

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