Picture of Michelle McMurry-Heath

Michelle McMurry-Heath

Member of Advisory Council

Former Chief Executive Officer for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) the world’s largest biotech coalition, representing over 1,000 institutions focused on innovations in health, agriculture and climate.

A medical doctor and molecular immunologist. Michelle spent over a decade working at the research bench before shifting to science policy taking key science policy leader roles in government and industry.

The common thread in Michelle’s work across academia, government and industry has been her focus on broadening access to scientific progress so more patients from diverse backgrounds can benefit from cutting-edge innovation.

Michelle previously held leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Aspen Institute where she was the founding director of the Institute’s Health, Biomedical Science, and Society Policy Program.

She serves on numerous boards including for the Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Stanford Medical School, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

Michelle is the first Black graduate of the prestigious Duke University combined MD / Ph.D. Medical Scientist Training Program, and completed her Ph.D. in immunology.