2 in GR among top academic workplaces

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Michigan workers have faced worst-in-the-nation job loss over the last decade, but a scientific magazine says for those working in academia, Grand Rapids has two of the top ten spots across the U.S.

The Scientist's July issue ranks the Van Andel Institute third and Calvin College eighth, placing ahead of Michigan State University (14th) and Wayne State University (37th) in the top 40 list.

"While other industries in Michigan may not be faring well, its research sector is booming," the magazine's Lauren Urban wrote.

The article touts Grand Rapids' medical mile, where VAI's Steven Triezenberg told the author organizations "build [on their] strengths with collaborative efforts rather than compete."

Voter-passed legalization of embryonic stem cell research in 2008 spurred growth in the life sciences industry in the state, Urban wrote. As evidence, The Scientist cites the location of the 2010 World Stem Cell Summit this fall: Detroit.

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State-by-State Employment 2000-2009 (pdf)