Lundquist Institute Names Dr. Joe W. Ramos as New President to Propel Biomedical Innovation

In a significant leadership change set to impact the landscape of biomedical research, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center has appointed Joe W. Ramos, PhD, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made on January 8, 2025, reveals that Dr. Ramos will officially assume his new role on January 21, 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record in cancer research. Dr. Ramos, who previously served as the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, is recognized as a leading figure in cancer research. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for The Lundquist Institute, which is dedicated to advancing biomedical innovation and fostering collaborative research efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for patients and communities globally. Dr. Ramos's distinguished career includes significant contributions to understanding cancer signaling and metastasis, with a focus on brain, kidney, and skin cancers. His research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but has also led to the development of promising drug leads intended to inhibit tumor growth and invasion, resulting in two patents and multiple publications in esteemed scientific journals. The Board of Directors of The Lundquist Institute expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Ramos's appointment. Mitchel Sayare, PhD, Chair of the Board, emphasized that Dr. Ramos's exceptional leadership and vision will be crucial as the institute seeks to advance biomedical research and develop innovative health solutions. With a research portfolio that encompasses over 600 active studies led by approximately 100 principal investigators across various disciplines including genetics, infectious diseases, cardiology, cancer, regenerative medicine, and public health, Dr. Ramos's role will be vital in steering the institute's expansive research initiatives. In his own words, Dr. Ramos conveyed his excitement about joining The Lundquist Institute, describing it as an organization with a "distinguished legacy of biomedical innovation." He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the team to fulfill the institute's mission of saving lives through cutting-edge research, education, and community engagement. Dr. Ramos succeeds Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD, who has served commendably as Interim President and CEO since December 2023. The Board extended its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gausche-Hill for her exceptional leadership during this transitional period, acknowledging the critical contributions she made to maintain the momentum of the institute's operations and research initiatives. Founded in 1952, The Lundquist Institute has established itself as a leading nonprofit research organization in Los Angeles County's life sciences ecosystem, affiliated with UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and collaborating closely with Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. As it embarks on this new chapter under Dr. Ramos’s stewardship, the institute is poised to continue its mission of delivering groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that save lives, reinforcing its pivotal role in the biomedical research community.