Nearby, Brown is committed as an anchor tenant in a project will soon house the state’s public health lab. Paxson shared during the event that through a tentative agreement with Ancora L&G and the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, Brown will sublease its space at the 150 Richmond St. building to help launch the state’s first incubator for start-up life science ventures. 

Brown’s investments in cutting-edge research, she noted, are making discoveries that transform care for Rhode Islanders in real ways, including in the areas of cancer treatment, addiction and Alzheimer’s Disease. That momentum will continue with Brown’s latest investment in the Jewelry District — Danoff Laboratories, an under-construction life sciences research facility that will propel discoveries, improve patient outcomes and further the state’s position as a leader in the life sciences, she said. 

“It’s going to house biological scientists, biomedical engineers and experts in AI and brain health,” Paxson said on Monday. “Some of the first key research areas in this building will include Alzheimer’s disease, RNA research, cancer and several other critical fields.”

Paxson encouraged the audience to consider how Danoff Laboratories, which will become the largest academic laboratory building in the state, will complement Brown’s other investments in the Jewelry District and could further shape Rhode Island’s growing presence in the life sciences sector. 

“You could be asking: What’s the long-term impact of this for Rhode Island? What do we want to come from all of this investment?” Paxson said. “It’s not just about the buildings — it’s about what happens inside them that really matters. Everything we’re talking about is connected to research and innovation, which in turn drives economic development.”

To illustrate how Brown’s research infrastructure makes a positive impact on the city and state economy, Paxson shared a scenario: A faculty member, drawn to work for Brown University Health (formerly named Lifespan) by its strong ties to Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School, launches a groundbreaking cancer research program. The work results in the development of a new therapeutic drug, leading to the creation of a start-up incubated with support from the Rhode Island Life Sciences Hub. That company’s growth culminates in the establishment of a permanent headquarters in Rhode Island, creating high-skill jobs, attracting investors and further strengthening the region’s position as a hub for research and innovation.

“What we hope to achieve are two very important outcomes,” Paxson said. “First, a benefit to the local community through expanded access to high-quality, appropriate health care right here in Rhode Island. Second, driving economic development by growing the biotech sector.”

At the close of her presentation, Paxson said Brown will continue to prioritize investments related to life sciences research, commercial development and economic growth in the Jewelry District. 

“The vision is taking shape in an incredible way, but it’s a shared vision,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with so many people in this room who have been fantastic collaborators — people who have supported us as we’ve supported them in advancing this vision.”

Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, moderated a Q&A session after Paxson’s remarks, asking questions about Brown’s expanding affiliations with Rhode Island’s health care systems, the potential of mRNA research, and how Brown researchers are beginning to leverage artificial intelligence tools to advance understanding and innovation. 

Asked how the Rhode Island business community could collaborate with Brown and universities in the state to address workforce needs and stimulate economic growth, Paxson said partnership and collaboration is key. 

“One thing I love about Rhode Island is the close-knit group of higher education leaders here,” she said. “Part of what makes us so collaborative is that we’re not really in competition with one another — we’re complementary. Each institution focuses on slightly different strengths, and together, we can achieve a lot. Aligning what higher education can offer with the needs of the business community would be incredibly powerful.”