The Wistar Institute officially announced Wednesday that Russell Kaufman of Duke University will take the helm as director and CEO of the prestigious research institute in June.
Kaufman currently acts as the vice dean for education and academic affairs at the Duke University School of Medicine and the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for the Duke University Health System. He is also a professor of medicine and biochemistry at Duke.
Kaufman's appointment follows a nearly two-year search for a new director.
Former Wistar Director Giovanni Rovera resigned from the position in September 2000. Since then, Interim Director Clayton Buck has headed the independent non-profit biomedical research center located at 3601 Spruce Street.
"After a long search, during which we interviewed many candidates, we are delighted to welcome a physician, research scientist and administrator with Dr. Kaufman's unique skills to The Wistar Institute," Robert Fox said in a press release from The Wistar Institute.
Fox is the chairman and CEO of investment firm R.A.F. Industries, Inc., and serves on the Board of Managers at Wistar. He is also the creator of the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program at Penn.
"Dr. Kaufman's vision for the future of cancer research, which springs from his broad experience in both the clinic and the laboratory, will ensure that Wistar remains at the leading edge of biomedical science," Fox added in the release.
After spending many years at Duke University, Kaufman said he is looking forward to the challenging new environment at Penn.
"I was very excited and very pleased" Kaufman said about learning of his appointment. "Their offices and laboratories are some of the most prestigious and respected."
"They have an outstanding faculty; I'm looking forward to working with them," Kaufman added.
Kaufman plans to continue the Wistar's commitment to the research of cancer. Kaufman, himself, has worked in oncological research.
"Wistar has done a lot with stem cells research," Kaufman said. "I'd like to look further into the development and regulation of stem cells, as well as pharmacogenetics, and identifying new aspects and uses of the genetic sciences."
Franklin Hoke, a Wistar spokesman, sees Kaufman as a particular asset to the institute.
"He's the right guy for the job," affirmed Hoke. "He has the skills as a laboratory researcher and a clinical scientist. Hopefully, this will help facilitate our basic discoveries into clinical practices."
The Wistar Institute's research has often been aided by its use and examination in hospitals, and according to Hoke, Kaufman will further that aspect of the research.
"We've long worked very closely with prestigious Philadelphia hospitals, particularly with [the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania]. Kaufman will be able to best facilitate that relationship," Hoke said.
Administrators at Duke University are already searching for a replacement for Kaufman, though Ralph Snyderman, Duke's chancellor for health affairs, School of Medicine executive dean and Health System CEO, said that he is enthusiastic about Kaufman's appointment.
"I've really admired [Kaufman] as a colleague and a friend for more than 20 years," Snyderman said. "He has done a tremendous job putting his own stamp on research done here."
Wistar "is the perfect place for his skills, and we're very happy for him. It's a loss to Duke, but it's definitely a happy loss."
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