In June 2020, the inaugural Chair of the HUPO Pathology Pillar, Prof. Dan Chan (Johns Hopkins University) decided to step down because of his large additional workload due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A new appointment protocol was established in order to find a suitable replacement. Applications were sought by advertising through HUPO and reaching out to possible candidates. Applicants were required to apply in writing addressing the following key points:
i) Proteomics track record
ii) HUPO/HPP track record
iii) Evidence of national and International visibility
iv) Vision for the future development of the Pathology Platform
v) A one page CV
vi) The names of high-profile scientific/clinical referees
A committee consisting of 5 senior HUPO scientists was established to review the applications and a recommendation made to the chair of the HPP to take to the HUPO EC and Council for endorsement.
We are pleased to announce Prof. Michael Roehrl (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York (MSKCC)) as the new Chair of the HUPO Pathology Pillar. Michael is a practicing physician-scientist who holds an MD from Munich, Germany, and a PhD from Harvard in Biological Chemistry. He trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital and is US board-certified in both Anatomic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. He directs the Center for Precision Pathology at MSKCC, and his clinical practice is focused on gastrointestinal oncologic pathology. Michael runs a research lab that studies the biology of solid tumors, and his group uses proteomics and protein-based biomarkers extensively with the goal of creating next generation diagnostics and theranostics for the benefit of cancer patients.
The Pathology Pillar was launched at the 17th HUPO World Congress in Orlando in 2018 based on the realization that pathology (and clinical patient-focused applications) will play a key role in the clinical translation of proteomics methods and data and its use in precision medicine. The goals of the Pathology Pillar are to coordinate the identification of key unmet needs in clinical medicine, stimulate guidelines and standards for the development of fit-for-purpose validated clinical assays, promote awareness of best practice and coordinate access to high quality clinical samples and their associated data. The Pillar also aims to promote partnerships with key international pathology organizations, diagnostic industries, and regulatory agencies, develop educational programs and support early career researchers.
With Michael at the helm, the HPP Pathology Pillar has a bright future and is requesting members to get involved and help drive this initiative. The integration of the other HPP Pillars to provide information and resources to the pathology Pillar will ultimately propel proteomics efforts further into the clinic and benefit health and wellbeing of all.
Michael is honored to have been elected new Chair and, together with Co-Chair Ed Nice, is very much looking forward to engaging the entire HUPO community!
Please contact Michael at roehrlm@mskcc.org and find his lab on Twitter @Roehrl_Lab
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