Stem-Cell Scientist George Q. Daley Appointed Dean Of Harvard Medical School

Stem-cell scientist George Q. Daley will be taking over the role as dean of Harvard Medical School (HMS), starting Jan. 1, 2017. He will have to fill the shoes of Jeffery S. Flier, who served in the position for nine years and concluded his service at the end of July.

According to Harvard Magazine, Harvard University President Drew Faust announced the appointment and seemed confident in the choice to make Daley Flier’s successor. He described the scientist as “an eminent scientist, a dedicated educator, an adept bridge-builder, a compelling advocate for scientific discovery, and a person of remarkable leadership qualities and thoughtful judgment.”

During a chat with the magazine, the future dean spoke about his career and his opinion on the opportunities that stand to be for Harvard Medical School. He admitted that he was excited about the institution’s new curriculum and pleased with the intelligence of the medical and graduate students. The school plans on reforming its four-year curriculum structurally, pedagogically, and philosophically.

Along with the restructure, Daley is looking forward to having some input on the relationships of the clinical communities. The stem-cell scientist is thrilled to become the dean of HMS and is hoping to “catalyze connections.”

George Q. Daley is known for his work on hematopoietic stem cell which creates an array of blood cells. His research further explored how the cell is generated and its influences on the course of certain diseases.

The scientist will be taking on the role of dean next year and plans to maintain his scientific practice and run a laboratory more focused on the biology of blood stem cells.

The scientist may have some time before he becomes dean but George Q. Daley admitted that he feels privileged to be taking on this role and helping to make sure that the Harvard Medical School community continues to thrive.