Renowned Physician-Scientist Dr. Jonathan D. Licht Appointed Next President and Chief Scientific Officer of Van Andel Institute

Van Andel Institute, a prominent biomedical research organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has named Jonathan D. Licht, M.D., as its incoming president and chief scientific officer. Licht will assume leadership in early 2026, succeeding Peter A. Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc. (hon), whose visionary leadership since 2013 propelled the institute to the forefront of cancer epigenetics and translational research. This transition marks a significant moment in VAI’s evolution, promising to blend Licht’s extensive expertise in hematological malignancies with the institute’s robust interdisciplinary programs.

Dr. Licht’s distinguished career encompasses over two decades of pioneering research in the molecular mechanisms governing blood cancers. His work elucidating epigenetic dysregulation in leukemogenesis has opened new pathways for targeted therapies. Notably, his investigations revealed recurring mutations present in a substantial subset of relapsed B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric patients and multiple myeloma cases. This discovery highlights the therapeutic potential of reversing aberrant epigenetic states as a disease-modifying strategy.

Licht’s academic trajectory began with a foundational medical education at Columbia University, followed by rigorous clinical training including a residency at Beth Israel Hospital and a fellowship in medical oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His faculty appointments include notable tenures at Mount Sinai and Northwestern University, where he integrated clinical expertise with cutting-edge research initiatives. Most recently, at the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute, Licht’s leadership culminated in the center’s designation as a National Cancer Institute cancer center, underscoring his strategic vision and administrative acumen.

Van Andel Institute’s CEO and Chairman, David Van Andel, expressed enthusiasm about Licht’s appointment, citing his innovative approach to cancer biology and commitment to collaborative research frameworks. The institute aims to leverage Licht’s experience toward expanding interdisciplinary programs that interface epigenetics with neurodegeneration and metabolic diseases, areas increasingly recognized for their intertwined molecular underpinnings.

Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Licht’s editorial and organizational contributions have significantly shaped hematological oncology. He serves as the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Blood Neoplasia and has held editorial roles with Oncogene, Cancer Discovery, Cancer Cell, and Blood Cancer Discovery. His leadership extends to influential roles in professional societies such as the American Society of Hematology and the American Association for Cancer Research, contributing to the field’s evolving clinical and research frontiers.

The cornerstone of Licht’s laboratory research focuses on characterizing the epigenetic alterations that drive malignant transformation and progression in hematological cancers. By harnessing genomic and biochemical approaches, his team investigates the dynamic chromatin landscape governing gene expression programs critical for cancer cell survival and resistance mechanisms. This research enriches the understanding of how epigenetic therapeutics may be tailored to disrupt oncogenic circuits selectively.

Dr. Licht emphasizes the importance of translational science that bridges molecular discoveries with clinical application. His initiatives foster collaborative partnerships between academic institutions, healthcare centers, and industry stakeholders to accelerate the development of novel epigenetic inhibitors and combinational treatment regimens. Such efforts align with Van Andel Institute’s mission to translate foundational insights into tangible interventions benefitting patients worldwide.

In his forthcoming role, Licht intends to cultivate cross-disciplinary collaborations that amplify Van Andel Institute’s strengths in structural biology, cell biology, and biomedical informatics. By synergizing these domains, the institute is poised to deepen mechanistic insights and expedite biomarker discovery, thereby enhancing precision medicine strategies across a spectrum of diseases beyond hematology, including neurodegenerative disorders.

Peter A. Jones’s enduring impact as a pioneer in cancer epigenetics laid the groundwork for Van Andel Institute’s ascendancy as a global leader in biomedical innovation. His continued engagement as a faculty member ensures the institute remains tightly integrated with cutting-edge clinical trial networks, including the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer Epigenetics Dream Team, which probes promising novel therapies in oncology.

Dr. Licht’s prolific scientific output—comprising over 240 peer-reviewed publications amassing more than 37,000 citations—reflects an impactful body of work that blends mechanistic insight with clinical relevance. His accolades, including the American Society of Hematology Basic Science Mentor Award and election as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, affirm his role as both a visionary researcher and dedicated mentor.

As Van Andel Institute embarks on this new chapter under Licht’s stewardship, the convergence of expert leadership and a dynamic research environment promises to catalyze breakthroughs in understanding and treating complex diseases. The institute’s sustained commitment to integrating epigenetic science with innovative biomedical techniques positions it to drive transformative advances benefiting patients globally.

Situated at the nexus of a vibrant biomedical community in Grand Rapids, Van Andel Institute continues to expand its collaborative footprint across the Midwest. Licht’s strategic vision includes expanding partnerships with regional medical institutions and academic centers to foster an ecosystem that accelerates discovery, education, and clinical translation in an era of personalized medicine.

Ultimately, Jonathan D. Licht’s appointment heralds a future where Van Andel Institute’s pioneering science will increasingly unravel the epigenomic basis of cancer and other diseases, while training the next generation of biomedical scientists capable of navigating the complexities of human health and disease. His leadership signals a renewed commitment to scientific excellence, collaborative innovation, and impactful patient-centered research.