How the Lilly Ethos Continues Shaping Indiana’s Future

Authored by Christopher C. Conway, Chief Philanthropy Officer & Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications

“Take what you find here and make it better and better.”
– Colonel Eli Lilly

That simple philosophy remains deeply embedded in Indiana’s life sciences community and in the daily work of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute.

And at every level, IBRI benefits from the relationships gained and grown with colleagues and collaborators around the globe. Leaders and scientists from Roche and Novo Nordisk also contribute important perspectives and expertise both here at IBRI and as scientific partners.

That blend of experiences matters greatly as IBRI continuously evolves into an ever-more globally informed institute, while maintaining the collaborative DNA that distinguishes Indiana’s life sciences community. IBRI is also intentional about incorporating a range of perspectives from outside the pharmaceutical industry.

I appreciate that I am one of the few senior leaders at IBRI who built my career science-adjacent, as I worked with globally respected nonprofit and academic medical institutions including Emory University and University of California, Los Angeles, bringing expertise in philanthropy, strategic communications, partnerships, and global relationship development.

In my work, I can see that the extraordinary density of relationships connecting industry, academia, healthcare systems, philanthropy, and civic leadership has created an environment that cannot be manufactured through capital investment alone. At IBRI, that philosophy is visible everywhere, from translational neuroscience and diabetes research to industry partnerships, startup development, workforce cultivation, and philanthropy.

IBRI is uniquely positioned to draw upon the clear and consequential legacy of our roots and mission, while continuing to meaningfully shape progress in the life sciences, life in the region, and well beyond.