We are delighted to announce that leading interdisciplinary researcher Alex Pollen has joined our Academic Council.

Dr. Pollen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where his lab combines advances in single-cell genomics, genome engineering, and primate organoid models to study specialized features and vulnerabilities of the human brain.

His research has been supported by multiple funders, including US agencies and philanthropies.

Chair of the Schmidt Science Fellows Academic Council Professor John Boothroyd said: “We are delighted that Alex is joining the Academic Council, and I know that both his globally-recognized scientific expertise combined with his interdisciplinary leadership and track record as a committed mentor will be of huge benefit as we progress the mission of the organization.”

Academic Council Members provide bespoke mentoring to individual Schmidt Science Fellows and, as a Council, act as an advisory group to Program leadership.

Professor Boothroyd added: “Diversifying the experiences, approaches,  and disciplinary expertise represented on the Academic Council is an essential part of ensuring we can provide the very best support to the Program and Fellows.”

Dr. Pollen studied for his first degree in comparative neuroanatomy at Harvard University before working towards his PhD in neuroscience at Stanford University. He studied at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

He is a long-term supporter of the Schmidt Science Fellows program and mission, having hosted a 2021 Fellow during their Placement and supported the review process for our Senior Fellows Catalyst Grants.

He said: “Taking interdisciplinary approaches has been central to my work and the development of my lab, so I am excited by the opportunity to contribute more broadly  to the Program and support a new generation of leaders able to push the boundaries ever further.”