Susan L. Solomon Named to City & State’s ‘Life Sciences Power 50’

NYSCF CEO Susan L. Solomon, JD, was recently named as one of City and State’s ‘Life Sciences Power 50’ for her visionary leadership of the New York Stem Cell Foundation and its contributions to the growing life science sector of New York City.

“New York is a hub for groundbreaking life science research, and I am proud that NYSCF plays a critical role in this exciting growth,” she said. “Sixteen years ago, NYSCF was a dream, a plan, and two lab hoods. Now, we employ over 100 talented scientists and staff in a 64,000-square-foot research institute, where we are developing the essential technology and translational research necessary to reach cures for the major diseases of our time.”

The list includes leading scientists, venture capitalists, government officials, health care executives, real estate developers, and philanthropists who have driven the expansion of life sciences in the city. 

Ms. Solomon is optimistic that New York City’s thriving life sciences sector will only grow stronger in the coming years.

“I look forward to continuing NYSCF’s work to connect scientists, advocates, and supporters throughout New York City and usher in a new age of precision medicine,” she said.

In tandem with announcing the Life Sciences Power 50, City and State published an article on the lack of diversity in life sciences leadership. NYSCF Vice President of Scientific Outreach Raeka Aiyar, PhD, provided perspective on the challenges facing ethnic minorities in the field.

“It’s not really just simple underrepresentation, but it’s actually a kind of historical exclusion and systematic marginalization because of the impact of systemic racism,” she said. “This pipeline is also a leaky pipeline. We’re losing not only ethnic minorities but also women at a disproportionate rate the higher you can climb up the ladder.”