Introducing the Termeer Institute: A New Chapter in Patient-Centered Life Science Leadership

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Termeer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering leaders in life sciences, is proud to announce its new name: The Termeer Institute. This evolution reflects a significant milestone in the organization’s strategic commitment to developing life science leaders, building community across the life sciences ecosystem, and convening stakeholders to advance cures for rare diseases.

“The Termeer Institute beautifully honors Henri’s legacy of leadership and patient-centered innovation while positioning the organization to make an even greater impact going forward,” said Belinda Termeer, President, Co-Founder of the Termeer Institute, and Member of the Board of Directors. “Henri believed deeply in empowering others to lead, and I see this transition as a continuation of that philosophy. Together, we are ensuring Henri’s vision lives on and flourishes.”

The Termeer Institute will build on its foundational experience over the last five years to lead a new era of global collaboration, expanded influence, and a deepened commitment to the people at the heart of innovation. This vision will be on full display at the Institute’s annual Connections Empowering Cures event on June 17, 2025, a celebration of the 83 Termeer Fellows and Scholars and 80 mentors and advisors who share its commitment to community, collaboration, and cures.

“We focus on building a values-driven community that addresses a critical gap in the life sciences: the human factor,” said Catharine Smith, Executive Director of the Termeer Institute. “From supporting first-time CEOs to building inclusive networks of mentors, the Termeer Institute works to inspire and empower those who will shape the future of healthcare.”

Geoff McDonough, co-founder of the Termeer Fellows program, longtime mentor, and Board Member of the Termeer Institute, will serve as the Institute's first Board Chair. “Henri’s legacy continues to motivate and inspire generations of life science leaders to bring transformational therapies to patients and families,” said Geoff McDonough, Board Chair of the Termeer Institute. “The Termeer Institute aims to provide a sustained movement supporting what makes our community unique: bold leadership, deep collaboration, and a commitment to diverse perspectives.”

For those already connected to our network and for those yet to join, this evolution is a renewed promise to grow together, lead with purpose, and unlock the full potential of science in service of humanity.

About the Termeer Institute
The Termeer Institute empowers a diverse, global community of life science innovators and visionaries to transform the human element of healthcare and accelerate cures for patients worldwide. The Institute addresses a critical gap in the industry—the human variable—by developing life science leaders who are dedicated to improving patient lives and tackling the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

Our values-driven program enriches the core attributes essential for transformative innovation: responsibility, passion, creativity, humility, and connectivity. Our programs nurture talent across all career stages—from emerging pioneers to established experts—spanning industry and academia.

Since its founding in 2019, the Termeer Institute has made tremendous strides in providing support to leaders and scholars:

• 83 Termeer Fellows and Scholars come from nine countries and six US states.
• Since 2023, the Fellows classes have included 56% women.
• Termeer fellows have raised $3.2 billion in funding, 82% of Fellows’ companies are still active, and 70% of Termeer Fellows remain in CEO roles.
• The Institute has provided over 250 hours of programming and support to Fellows and Scholars past and present. One hundred fifty of those hours were 1-on-1 sessions with consultants and expert coaches.

We recognize that advancing new treatments is a demanding journey with low odds of success. Through collaboration, mentorship, and inclusivity, we enhance the collective ability to drive breakthrough innovations and ultimately increase the probability of developing life-changing cures. Find out more about The Termeer Institute and how you can support, engage with, and join our network at termeerinstitute.org and on LinkedIn @TermeerInstitute.