Brian Stemme, Hoosier Cancer Research Network’s (HCRN) chief executive officer, was recently featured on Pathfinder, a Purdue Life Sciences podcast with Dr. Thomas G. Sors from Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D). Stemme shared insights on his career journey, why Indiana is a top spot for life sciences and HCRN’s impactful work.

In their discussion, they delved into Stemme’s career prior to HCRN, highlighting his role as senior vice president at BioCrossroads, manager at Eli Lilly and the part he played as co-founder of AgriNovus.

“I was honored to be featured on the Purdue Pathfinder podcast. Tommy Sors is an advocate for educating and connecting local professionals and students with life sciences opportunities,” he said. Stemme and Dr. Sor’s conversation then shifted to Indiana’s thriving life sciences ecosystem and the part that HCRN plays within it. Stemme emphasized the breadth of assets that Indiana has, in life sciences research and development, manufacturing and product distribution.

Stemme explained that HCRN is a connector, supporter, and ally of academic medical institutions. He stated, “HCRN fills an important need in the clinical research ecosystem and provides significant value to researchers in our network.”

When asked about the significance of opportunities for HCRN to increase awareness and recognition, he said, “To ensure that key stakeholder groups (potential employees, university stakeholders and local businesses) understand our work, we need to actively seek opportunities to tell our story – one I know HCRN employees are really proud of.”

Listen to the full episode: PATHFINDER – Brian Stemme, CEO of Hoosier Cancer Research Network, Inc., (HCRN)

About Hoosier Cancer Research Network: 

Hoosier Cancer Research Network conducts innovative cancer clinical trials in collaboration with more than 100 academic and community clinical research sites across the United States. Our studies are designed by cancer researchers from our member institutions. The HCRN staff includes 55 team members who work together to support all aspects of the studies we manage, from the time we receive the initial concept from a researcher through the final publication of the study results. Currently, we are supporting more than 70 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types. Over our 40-year history, more than 10,000 participants have enrolled in our clinical trials, leading to important discoveries that help cancer patients live longer and better after their cancer diagnosis.