Jean King, the Peterson Family Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been selected to serve on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Council of Councils.
A widely respected neuroscientist and researcher, King joins 26 other council members who advise the NIH Director on policies and activities of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI). This includes making recommendations on research that represents important areas of emerging scientific opportunities, rising public health challenges, or knowledge gaps that deserve special emphasis or would otherwise benefit from strategic planning and coordination.
Each council member also represents an Institute or Center that falls under the NIH. King has been appointed to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
“It is an honor and privilege to be part of such an auspicious body representing NCCIH, an agency focused on Whole Person Health—which I believe is the future of medicine,” said King. “I would like to bring the voice of all the communities I represent to the table—race, gender, WPI, and the state of Massachusetts, where there is a strong focus on biotechnology and health.”
“This is a wonderful acknowledgement of Dean King’s deep expertise in health-focused research and broad experience in research, education, leadership, and policy making, which will make her a valuable resource for the Council of Councils,” said WPI President Grace Wang. “Dean King is a shining example of WPI’s purpose-driven approach to research and innovation, where our faculty are not only making important discoveries, but also helping address critical issues facing humanity.”
