Vanderbilt's Kuriyan to Lead Basic Sciences Through New Term
By MediaFx
John Kuriyan, the Mary Geddes Stahlman Chair and University Distinguished Professor at Vanderbilt University, has been reappointed as dean of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences for a second five-year term. The announcement was made by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver, who praised Kuriyan’s leadership and scientific vision. Kuriyan’s new term begins Jan. 1, 2028, following his current appointment ending Dec. 31, 2027.
Since becoming dean in January 2023, Kuriyan has guided the school through a challenging federal research funding environment. Under his leadership, Vanderbilt Basic Sciences stabilized its finances without furloughs, salary freezes, or layoffs, while increasing research proposals and awards. He has also recruited top scientific leaders and supported junior faculty through the Vanderbilt Institute for Therapeutic Advances.
Kuriyan’s research focuses on cellular signaling and DNA replication, with notable contributions to understanding tyrosine kinases and their role in cancer. His work has informed the development of drugs like Gleevec and Scemblix. He has received numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.