director, will enhance partnership
Ira Mellman, Sterling Professor of Cell Biology and Immunology and chair of the Department of Cell Biology at the School of Medicine, has been appointed as scientific director of the Yale Cancer Center.
"Ira Mellman brings all of the right ingredients to the critical leadership position of scientific director of the Yale Cancer Center," said Dr. Richard L. Edelson, director of the center. "His seminal contributions to our understanding of how dendritic antigen presenting cells trigger immune reactions have profound implications for the field of tumor immunotherapy, a major area of interest in the cancer center.
"Dr. Mellman's demonstrated leadership skills and intricate familiarity with the research community at Yale make him the ideal choice for this position," added Edelson. "He will have a central role in the recruitment of additional world-class cancer scientists, to complement the extraordinary investigative strengths existing at the center. In enhancing our cancer research programs, Dr. Mellman will be collaborating closely with two other senior leaders of the center: Dr. Jose Costa, deputy director, and Dr. Edward Chu, director of clinical research." (See related story.)
Mellman's research combines cell biology and immunology to understand fundamental mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation by cells. This focus has led him to explore the role of cellular and molecular functions of dendritic cells, and is leading to new strategies for the development of cancer vaccines. His work on epithelial cells is revealing aspects of cell biology directly relevant to metastasis and the development of antibody-based anti-tumor therapies.
Mellman has long been affiliated with the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research (LICR). His appointment will solidify the existing scientific affiliations between the Yale Cancer Center and the LICR, an international organization that utilizes the strength of leading scientists worldwide in a collective fight against cancer.
"A partnership between the Yale Cancer Center and the LICR will help build a unique, academic-based effort that applies the best of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, chemistry and biochemistry to directly benefit our patients," explains Mellman, who received his Ph.D. in genetics at the School of Medicine and joined the faculty in 1981. "Cancer patients coming to Yale will not only be cared for by one of the most skilled and dedicated teams of healthcare professionals, but also by a team of distinguished scientists singularly committed to understanding and devising treatments for their disease."
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Gift from alumnus helps fund new home for F&ES
Team learns how bacteria evades body's defenses
Grants will advance research on important health issuesPreventing HIV infection in India's at-risk populations
Understanding the causes of autism in infants
Treating patients with MS and spinal cord injuries
Brain power
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPSJohn Hartwig is Irénée duPont Professor of Chemistry
Shelly Kagan named Clark Professor of Philosophy
Jay Winter designated as the Stille Professor of History
Keith Wrightson is the Townsend Jr. Professor of History
Wimbledon winner, future Olympians to compete in Pilot Pen tournament
IN FOCUS: Yale Health Plan
Works by Cuban artists on view in 'Intersections/Intersecciones' exhibit
Bouchet Award recognizes scientist's effort to promote diversity
F&ES hosts delegation from China
Deserts, rainforests equally productive during drought, says study
EPA certificate of recognition awarded to Yale power plant
IN MEMORIAM: Edmund Slocum Crelin Jr.: newborn anatomy expert
CANCER CENTER APPOINTMENTSDr. Ira Mellman, new scientific director, will enhance partnership
Dr. Edward Chu will oversee the medical oncology section
Researchers receive grants for studies on women's health issues
New 'advocates' for theater are named to council
Genetics professor wins award to study prostate cancer . . .
Nursing professor Kathleen Knafl to chair group . . .
Art Gallery's new development director to head . . .
Yale Books in Brief
Campus Notes
Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News
Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines
Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases|
E-Mail Us|Yale Home