AIRI Member News: PHRI Names New CEO

HONOLULU—Dr. Bruce Stevenson has been named Executive Director and CEO for Pacific Health Research Institute (PHRI), Honolulu. In his new position, Dr. Stevenson will lead a respected team of scientists and staff engaged in ongoing research programs at PHRI including studies of cancer, diabetes, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, neurodegenerative disorders, longevity, obesity, hypertension and heart disease.

“PHRI’s mission has never been more important,” said Dr. Stevenson. “Health issues in the aging “baby boomer” population are now more critical than ever. The role of PHRI in understanding these issues will be essential in developing more efficient health care programs for not only their diagnosis and treatment, but also in their prevention.”

Prior to joining PHRI, Dr. Stevenson served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA, where he facilitated faculty recruitment and promotions, awards, and oversaw all research related operations.

Dr. Stevenson received his bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and was awarded a Ph.D. from Harvard University for his research in cell and developmental biology. After completing postdoctoral training at Yale University, he joined the University of Alberta in Canada, where he was a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology. He was also the recipient of an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Scholarship.

PHRI was founded in 1960 and has an annual operating budget of about $11 million. PHRI’s funding comes from the National Institutes of Health, private foundations and individuals.

PHRI leverages its core strengths in major research areas by working with research centers in Hawaii, the Pacific, Asia and the mainland U.S. By collaborating with institutions that have complimentary capabilities, these partnerships facilitate complex, interdisciplinary research that could not easily be duplicated by a single research institution working alone.