Biography:

Dr. Omenn is among the nation's most prominent health and science experts. He has dedicated his career to translating scientific advances into public policy, advancing the public understanding of science, and developing a new generation of leaders. Early in his career, he recognized the potential of genetics for treating and preventing disease.

At the University of Washington, he applied genetic approaches to brain-and-behavior studies, prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders, and variation in susceptibility to environmental agents. He bridged gaps between policy and practice in science-based analysis of environmental health risks, and helped create unprecedented programs on public health genetics and health promotion for older adults. He also pioneered large-scale cancer chemoprevention trials. His work at the juncture of science and law has advanced mutual understanding among judges, lawyers, scientists, and ethicists.

In 1997, Dr. Omenn became chief executive officer of the University of Michigan Health System and implemented a vision of a highly integrated academic health system. His programs for faculty recruitment, bio-informatics, and clinical research, coupled with major research and clinical building projects, helped revitalize the institution. In 2002, he resumed his faculty role in the cutting-edge field of proteomics, where he has focused on discovery of biomarkers for earlier diagnosis of lung cancers.

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