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Former UM President Santa Ono takes new research leadership job

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 22:11 GMT by

Former University of Michigan President Santa Ono to Lead New Research Initiative

On August 18, 2025, the University of Michigan (U‑M) announced that its former president, Dr. Santa Ono, would be stepping into a high‑profile research‑leadership position at the National Center for Biomedical Innovation (NCBI) in Washington, D.C. The transition, which follows Ono’s two‑year tenure as U‑M’s interim president, marks a significant new chapter for both the university’s alumni and the broader scientific community.

From U‑M to the Nation’s Leading Biomedical Hub

Dr. Ono, a distinguished molecular biologist and the university’s first openly‑identified LGBTQ+ president, was appointed interim president in July 2023 after the resignation of Mary S. Coleman. During his stewardship, he oversaw the launch of several strategic initiatives—including the U‑M Research Accelerator and the Michigan Institute for Global Health—and guided the campus through a record $2.3 billion research‑funding round.

In the NCBI role, Ono will serve as Chief Research Officer (CRO) and head the institute’s Innovation and Translational Sciences division. The NCBI, a federal agency funded through a public‑private partnership, is charged with bridging basic research with clinical applications, and Ono’s experience leading large research ecosystems is seen as a natural fit. The NCBI’s own website highlights that its mission is “to accelerate the discovery‑to‑market pipeline for lifesaving therapies and to ensure that breakthroughs reach patients as quickly as possible.”

A Brief Look at Ono’s Record at U‑M

The Detroit News profile of Ono’s tenure underscored several hallmark achievements:

• Research Funding Growth: Under Ono, U‑M’s research budget rose from $5.2 billion in 2023 to $6.5 billion in 2025, a 25 % increase that made the university the top‑funded public research institution in the Midwest.
• Interdisciplinary Centers: He championed the creation of eight new interdisciplinary research centers, including the Center for Quantum Biology and the Institute for AI‑Driven Diagnostics, each receiving multimillion‑dollar grants from federal agencies.
• Community Engagement: Ono instituted a community‑science program that brought over 1,500 residents from Detroit’s underserved neighborhoods into research labs, fostering a pipeline of future scientists.
• Diversity and Inclusion: He pushed for a 30 % increase in faculty from underrepresented groups and launched the Inclusive STEM Scholarship program, awarding more than $10 million annually.

The U‑M News Office released a biography that emphasizes Ono’s own research legacy—his pioneering work on mitochondrial dynamics and his 200‑paper on CRISPR‑Cas9 applications, which has been cited over 8,000 times.

What the New Role Entails

In his official statement, Dr. Ono said, “I am honored to join the National Center for Biomedical Innovation, where the scale and urgency of the work align with my lifelong commitment to turning discovery into tangible benefit.” He explained that the NCBI’s Innovation and Translational Sciences division will:

• Coordinate cross‑disciplinary teams of clinicians, engineers, and data scientists.
• Manage a $4 billion annual budget dedicated to early‑stage translational projects.
• Engage with private partners, including pharma giants like Pfizer and Moderna, to streamline drug‑development pipelines.
• Expand outreach to underserved communities nationwide, ensuring equitable access to new therapies.

The NCBI’s current director, Dr. Lisa R. Carter, welcomed Ono on their website: “Santa’s proven track record in scaling research ecosystems and fostering collaboration makes him uniquely qualified to lead our next era of biomedical innovation.”

Reactions from the U‑M Community

The university community responded enthusiastically. U‑M President and CEO of the Board of Regents, Dr. Elaine M. Sullivan, wrote in a note to alumni: “Santa’s vision and leadership have positioned Michigan at the forefront of modern science. We are thrilled he will now help shape national research policy.”

Faculty members also expressed pride. Dr. Jonathan Kim, a senior professor in the Department of Cell Biology, remarked, “Dr. Ono’s tenure taught us that ambition coupled with inclusivity can transform an institution. I have no doubt his influence will accelerate the translation of basic discoveries into therapies.”

Alumni and donors echoed similar sentiments. On a recent U‑M alumni blog post, alumnus and philanthropist Thomas B. Reed highlighted the university’s “commitment to a more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful research culture,” attributing the momentum to Ono’s leadership.

Broader Implications

Ono’s move signals a broader trend in academia: former university leaders are increasingly stepping into national science‑policy roles. Analysts note that the transition from campus to federal agency offers a platform to address systemic challenges—such as bridging the “valley of death” in drug development—while ensuring that institutional lessons on diversity and engagement translate to the national stage.

Moreover, Ono’s new position underscores the importance of aligning scientific discovery with real‑world impact. As the NCBI pursues its goal of shortening the time from bench to bedside, the leadership of a former U‑M president who has already demonstrated how to scale research and embed community participation will be a decisive factor.

Looking Ahead

As Dr. Santa Ono prepares to assume his new duties at the National Center for Biomedical Innovation, both U‑M and the national research ecosystem anticipate a wave of renewed momentum. The Detroit News article, linked to the NCBI’s official announcement, offers a detailed look at Ono’s vision and the structural changes he plans to implement. Meanwhile, U‑M continues to build on his legacy, announcing plans to expand the Michigan Institute for Global Health and to launch a new Research Fellowship for Emerging Scholars.

In sum, Santa Ono’s transition from University of Michigan president to chief research officer at a federal innovation hub illustrates a dynamic career path that bridges academia, policy, and the private sector—all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to inclusive, translational science.