Alan C. Nelson, PhD Appointed Director of Biodesign Institute

Pioneering Scientist Joins Biodesign Team

Arizona State University has appointed pioneering scientist and entrepreneur Alan C. Nelson, PhD, as director of the Biodesign Institute. Dr. Nelson’s medical innovations include a landmark technology introduced in 1995 that made a dramatic improvement in the detection of cervical cancer. He is currently President and CEO of VisionGate, Inc. in Washington State, which has developed a screening test for lung cancer.

Last year, the Biodesign Institute generated more than $60 million in external funding and disclosed 50 new inventions, and Dr. Nelson’s appointment will enable the Biodesign Institute to continue this positive trajectory. “These tight economic times make it more important than ever for us to preserve and diversify programs that have a proven ability to generate revenue and that ultimately will have a profound benefit to society,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow.

Dr. Nelson succeeds Dr. George Poste, who, last summer, was tapped to head ASU’s new Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative. In addition to leading the Biodesign Institute, he will have an academic appointment as professor of bioengineering in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering

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