A message from Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health.
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Dean Regier has been appointed Director, Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM), effective to June 30, 2029.
Dr. Regier is an associate professor, partner in the School of Population and Public Health, and served as Associate Director, ATM since 2022. He is also a senior scientist at the BC Cancer Research Institute. An internationally-recognized health economist specializing in translational medicine and regulatory science, his research aims to develop learning healthcare systems and policies that accelerate access to safe, effective, and cost-effective healthcare, with a focus on patient-oriented clinical trials and AI-supported real-world evidence generation.
Through the ATM, Dr. Regier developed Canada’s first educational offering in regulatory affairs and regulatory science. He also chairs the Faculty of Medicine’s Regulatory Advisory Council, providing UBC scientists with real-time guidance on efficiently navigating the regulatory landscape. He has also previously served on the B.C. Drug Benefit Council, where he provided evidence-informed recommendations on the inclusion of therapeutics in the province’s PharmaCare formulary.
As Director, ATM, Dr. Regier will lead the continued development of the academy into a world-leading network and hub for innovation in translational medicine and regulatory science. He will expand the academy’s educational initiatives and help to strengthen the UBC and B.C. life sciences ecosystem in translational and health policy research. By fostering collaboration and innovation, he will enhance connections among outstanding research institutes, centres and programs, advancing translational medicine on a global scale.
Dr. Regier’s appointment follows the leadership of Dr. Poul Sorensen, who served as the inaugural Director from the academy’s establishment in 2020. Dr. Sorensen’s extensive experience in translational medicine and discovery of novel genetic changes in childhood cancers and breast tumours has led to new diagnostic tests and treatments for both pediatric and adult cancer patients. His research has also significantly advanced our understanding of the role of proteins in cancer cell growth, such as activated NTRK fusion proteins, and how aggressive tumour cells adapt to microenvironmental stress. I wish to thank Dr. Sorensen for his exemplary service, leadership and contributions to the Faculty in this role.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Regier on his appointment.
