The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor will create a new position, the vice provost for biological sciences, to expand research efforts in life sciences. The new vice provost will be allocated $150 million to create 30 new faculty positions and expand research and educational programs.
U-M President Mark Schlissel, who made the announcement at his annual leadership breakfast at the Michigan Union today, says he plans to make the university “a powerhouse in the biosciences, and a global leader in discovery and societal impact.”
He says a senior bioscientist with leadership experience will be responsible for chairing a coordinating committee comprised of life science researchers to fill the future positions. The new vice provost for biological sciences will report directly to the provost, and will work closely with Schlissel.
“(The vice provost will serve as) the overall leader of one of our most critical academic priority areas,” Schlissel says.
U-M life science programs include its schools of medicine, dentistry, kinesiology, pharmacy, public health, nursing, engineering, and natural resources and environment.
“If we can develop a way to invest and collaborate strategically across this broad expanse of disciplines, our potential for discovery, societal impact, and outstanding bioscience education would be unmatched,” Schlissel says.
He says the candidate search will begin in the coming months.
