Innovation in Action: FORUM Opens its Doors to the Life Sciences Community

As breakthroughs in biotech and healthcare accelerate, there is an ever-growing need for spaces that support dialogue and discovery. That spirit of exchange was on full display during two life sciences events that brought industry leaders together under one roof — specifically, ours.

FORUM recently hosted the 2025 Boston Life Sciences Summit. Organized by Bisnow, the event brought together investors, developers, end users, property managers and more to share their insights about momentum within the sector.

Mark Barer, Lendlease’s Director of Development, Boston, provided opening remarks to the approximately 300+ attendees. He discussed the resiliency of the Boston life sciences market, noting that its global reputation as one of the leading medical and biological research hubs remains as strong as ever.

Barer also explored how life sciences buildings have transformed in recent years, with a growing focus on sustainability and wellness features designed to reflect the forward-thinking nature of the scientists and companies they house. FORUM, which is targeting LEED Platinum, demonstrates this approach with an integrated photovoltaic array, 97%-electric design and use of lower-carbon construction materials, among other strategies.

A series of panel discussions touched on additional topics, including what impacts increased venture capital spending will have on the sector; what types of tenants are most active in the market and the leasing strategies that can attract them; and the role of flexibility and adaptability in designing lab spaces.

FORUM also served as the venue for a Life Science Cares (LSC) Board of Advisors cocktail event. LSC is a philanthropic arm of the life science industry that leverages the power of biotech, pharmaceutical, medical technology and research organizations to address poverty.

Attendees at the LSC event had an opportunity to tour FORUM, the newest life sciences building in Boston. This included the community living room, which integrates the property into the surrounding neighborhood with a ground-level café and curated art exhibition, as well as the 7,000-square-foot outdoor terrace on floor three, shared by all tenants.

Since its founding in 2016, LSC Boston has worked with more than 500 companies to distribute nearly $12 million in grants to 98 community-based nonprofit partner organizations in the Greater Boston area. LSC Boston has organized more than 13,000 volunteers to direct more than 39,000 hours of community service to community-based organizations, in addition to more than $2 million of in-kind donations.