Research and Innovation to Translate Basic Science into Product Candidates The Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at UMass Amherst works with public and private partners to advance the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel medical devices, biomolecules, and drug delivery vehicles that benefit human health and well-being. In so doing, IALS focuses on efficiently moving academic research into the marketplace and on providing training for the current and next generation workforce in the technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to succeed in today’s life sciences industry.