For over 30 years, Neurocrine Biosciences has been motivated by a simple purpose: relieving suffering for people with great needs and working relentlessly to bring hope to those who need it most. They’re dedicated to the discovery and development of life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. With FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington’s disease and classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across their core therapeutic areas, Neurocrine’s life-changing treatments and scientific contributions are unquestionable.

With their work focused on improving lives, it is then a natural extension of Neurocrine’s mission to create lasting impact in the communities in which they live and work in a multitude of ways. “We are passionate about causes that align with our purpose of relieving suffering, and with expanding opportunity,” said Dave Boyer, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Neurocrine. “Our employees care about giving back in ways that create meaningful impact, including mentoring students, volunteering in the community or supporting nonprofits that reflect their personal values.”

Neurocrine employees receive up to 16 paid volunteer hours each year and the company hosts an annual Volunteer Day that brings colleagues together to support local organizations. They offer a 1:1 charitable match of up to $250 per year, and employees can also donate recognition points to charitable causes. Neurocrine partners with several San Diego nonprofits focused on STEM education and food insecurity and recently launched an employee-driven grants program which allows employees to request grant support for nonprofits and causes that matter most to them.

A key partner in Neurocrine’s impact is Generation STEAM, Biocom’s K–12 nonprofit affiliate that focuses on empowering the next generation of STEAM and life science visionaries via programs and events and through structured opportunities for companies to engage with students, teachers and their communities. For the last six years, Neurocrine has been a key contributor to the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering, the largest STEAM festival in California, held each March at Petco Park. “The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering gives our employees the opportunity to share their passion for science and show that it’s accessible to everyone,” said Boyer. “Our volunteers enjoy the chance to inspire curiosity and illuminate the many paths within STEM fields. Above all, they appreciate getting to help others, something that resonates with our employees’ values and our corporate culture.”

Neurocrine’s values are not just talking points on a website, but very much reflected in their actions and the time, resources and energy they commit to impact, interact and collaborate in community, reinforcing the notion that their mission extends far beyond company walls.

Neurocrine’s more than 10-year membership with Biocom has also served as a vehicle for impact, interaction and collaboration with the broader life science community, both here in California and in Washington, D.C. Adds Boyer, “Neurocrine’s voice, and more broadly that of the state’s biotech industry, has been strengthened through Biocom’s advocacy before federal and state policymakers on those issues that directly impact our business, employees and the patients that we serve. That effort has helped to create a more positive environment for us to build and grow as a company. It is that shared partnership that we value most about being a member of, and working with, Biocom.”

As Neurocrine looks ahead, they remain committed to giving that reflects the passions and priorities of their people. As the first grant window for the new employee-driven grants program winds down, Neurocrine has been buoyed by the response and thrilled to be able to put giving priorities directly in their employees’ hands.

Over the past six years, Neurocrine has impacted thousands of San Diegans via their exhibit booth at the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering. Asked what they hope these students take away from their time with Neurocrine, Boyer remarks, “Our goal is to spark curiosity, give them a chance to explore something new and maybe inspire them to learn more about science in school, or pursue it in a future career. But even if they choose a different path, we’re glad to give them the opportunity to engage with science and see how it connects to the world around them. And if they do develop an interest in science down the road, we hope they remember Neurocrine and stay connected with us.”