Boston's first nickname dates to the early 19th century when the city was referred to as 'The Athens of America.' This moniker aptly expressed the young city's spirit of intellectualism and eager pursuit of knowledge. Today, Boston continues to demonstrate the prescience of this title as the region's universities, hospitals, and private enterprises play a leading role in the rapidly expanding field of life sciences.  
 
With so much intellectual and monetary capital in the region supported by an unmatched labor force and academic pipeline, the Boston region is likely to be the country's life sciences leader for the foreseeable future.