For Immediate Release: 6/10/2010 2:34 pm
Worcester, MA (June 1, 2010) - Umass Medical School (UMMS) is a major local employer, with more than 6,800 employees and approximately $81M in direct purchasing power within the City. Academically, UMMS is considered one of the top 10 medical schools in the country and secures more than $200M in research grant awards each year.
The economic impact of the UMass Medical School in the City is significant; and the medical school is an important catalyst for continued economic growth. For every 100 jobs created on campus, an additional 90 are created in the private sector; most of these are high-skilled jobs with generous salaries that have a direct impact in increasing the average disposable income level in our community. In addition, UMMS is a pioneer in the field of research and development, bringing in significant grants and funding sources for the creation of new industry and new science.
In 2001, the medical school expanded its Worcester campus and opened a research facility that resulted in the creation of 2,500 jobs and an estimated $121 million in economic impact. Under the leadership of UMMS Chancellor Michael Collins, the medical school continues to grow, and most recently, broke ground on the Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot, $405M center for cellular and gene research. This expansion will generate 3,500 construction jobs and 900 permanent jobs once operational, while complementing Worcester's prestige as a hub for life sciences research and development. Worcester is viewed by the medical school as a prime location for their growth and expansion for a number of factors, including our skilled and educated workforce, our comprehensive transportation network, our diverse array of housing opportunities and an emerging life sciences and biotechnology environment.
Beyond the economic impact, the medical school continues to be a strong community partner and a significant resource to the City. UMMS works with the Worcester Public Schools to prepare, educate and train K-12 students for STEM-oriented economy and provides hands-on experience in labs under the direction of UMMS scientists. In addition, the medical school provided 24 graduate student nurses who were supervised and worked alongside City Public Health nurses to assist in vaccinating residents against the H1N1 influenza virus. UMMS also played an important role in defining the work of the Task Force on Public Health; and as a result, Chancellor Collins has agreed to assist in conducting the first of anticipated regular health status indicator reports on behalf of the City.
The City's partnership with UMass Medical School continues to grow and we continue to look for opportunities to work collaboratively for the benefit of residents, faculty and students.
The complete report may be viewed by visiting the following link:
