The Leadership and Business Acumen in Biomedical Research (LAB) program combines collaborative learning, strategic thinking and application of theory, helping develop participants into leaders who drive innovation, foster collaborations and elevate their research across the organization and the industry. The program is a partnership between Indiana University School of Medicine and the IU Kelley School of Business that empowers IU School of Medicine scientists to excel in the dynamic world of biomedical research.
Apply Now
Apply by April 30 to be considered for the inaugural cohort, beginning in fall 2025.
About the Program
Program benefits
Participants will build and expand their business and leadership acumen by developing or strengthening their ability to:
- Create and achieve compelling long-term goals
- Understand and analyze market trends, competitive landscapes and strategic market positioning
- Foster innovative thinking and adaptability within teams
- Drive and manage change
- Identify and practice effective team leadership in research environments
- Create positive organizational cultures
- Recognize and practice emotional intelligence
- Identify target audiences
- Build and maintaining strong personal and organizational brands
- Engage stakeholders through effective communication and digital marketing strategies
- Manage finances, including creating budgets and financial reports
- Make informed decisions
- Master project-management methodologies that incorporate planning, risk management and resource allocation
Program details
- Format: Online coursework, in-person applied learning and organizational projects coordinated in small groups between sessions
- Required in-person class sessions are held one Friday a month, from September to March.
- In-person sessions include highly interactive, in-depth, faculty-led teaching and discussion that allow for the application and integration of tools and knowledge presented, combined with participant presentations on the results of organizational projects and guest speakers from the research enterprise.
- Online engagement is faculty-facilitated learning using Zoom, videos, readings, assignments and discussion boards.
Session Dates
Required in-person sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Hine Hall on the Indiana University Indianapolis campus on the following dates:
- Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
- Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
- Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
- Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
- Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
- Friday, March 13, 2026
Course credit
The LAB program is an in-depth introduction to business theory and concepts and how they can be applied to the biomedical research environment. The content aligns with the Kelley School of Business MBA program; the six course credits you will receive upon the completion of the LAB program will transfer to that program, should you choose to pursue an MBA.
Eligibility
All IU School of Medicine faculty are eligible to apply.
Tuition
Participants may use the IU tuition benefit to cover the majority of costs. Remaining charges — including application and student fees — are expected to total approximately $650 and will be the responsibility of the participant.
Application
- A maximum of 25 participants will be accepted into the inaugural cohort.
- To be considered for the inaugural cohort, beginning in September, complete an application by April 30.
- You must include a curriculum vitae and personal statement with your application.
- Your personal statement should:
- Highlight how your experiences and skills align with the goals of the LAB program
- Discuss your vision for your future in biomedical research and how you plan to drive innovation and foster collaborations within your field
- Outline your long-term research and career goals and how the program will help you achieve those goals, particularly in terms of enhancing your leadership skills and emotional intelligence, and your ability to manage teams and projects effectively
Questions
For questions, contact Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at fapdd@iu.edu.