SUBJECT:

Dean of Scientific Affairs Jack Dixon

This notice is to announce that the trustees of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) have elected Jack Dixon, Dean of Scientific Affairs at the School of Medicine, as their new Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, effective February 1, 2007.

We all congratulate Professor Dixon on this tremendous honor, but also regret his departure from his administrative role at UCSD. Fortunately for us, he plans to divide his time between the HHMI offices in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he will spend three weeks out of every month, and UCSD, where he will continue to operate his research laboratory (he will be on leave without pay).

HHMI is one of the world's largest philanthropies, with an endowment of approximately $14.8 billion. Established in 1953, HHMI's mission is to conduct basic biomedical research, which it carries out in collaboration with more than 70 universities, medical centers and research institutions throughout the United States. More than 300 investigators are supported by HHMI, including nine faculty members at UCSD and seven investigators at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

Currently a member of the HHMI Medical Advisory Board, in his new position Professor Dixon will play a major role in HHMI's flagship investigator program, and in identifying new opportunities that capitalize on the Institute's expertise in biomedical research and science education.

Professor Dixon was recruited from the University of Michigan to UCSD in February 2003 to serve as the medical school's Dean of Scientific Affairs, replacing Nobel Laureate George Palade who retired from the position. He is also Professor of Pharmacology, and of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. In his role as Dean he has provided visionary leadership in advancing the research and educational programs of the Health Sciences. His contributions as one of the world's leading biochemists have been recognized with his election to the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

This new appointment is a tremendous honor and we look forward to creative new initiatives from the HHMI as Professor Dixon steps into this important leadership role.

Edward W. Holmes Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences Dean, School of Medicine