The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has appointed Raghu Kalluri, MD, PhD, as senior vice president, executive director of the UTMB Cancer Center and chief scientific officer, effective Sept. 1.
An internationally recognized cancer researcher, Kalluri joins UTMB from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he served as professor and chair of Cancer Biology and director of the Metastasis Research Center. His research has focused on cancer biology and metastasis, with work aimed at understanding how cancer develops, spreads, and responds to treatment.
“The recruitment of Dr. Kalluri marks a significant milestone in UTMB’s journey to build a world-class cancer program and research enterprise,” said Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, UTMB president and CEO of the UTMB Health System. “His internationally recognized achievements in cancer biology, translational science, and academic leadership make him uniquely qualified to lead the UTMB Cancer Center and serve as chief scientific officer.
“Dr. Kalluri’s vision, experience, and collaborative approach will be instrumental in supporting faculty success, fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives, advancing the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, and strengthening the infrastructure that enables scientific discovery. As we pursue National Cancer Institute designation and expand opportunities for innovation, he will help cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and service that advances the UTMB mission and impact.”
Connecting discovery and patient care
Kalluri is known for research that has helped scientists better understand how cancers grow and spread. His work has also examined the relationship between tumors and their surrounding environment, contributing to new approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
At UTMB, Kalluri will work with researchers, physicians, and clinical teams across the institution to help translate scientific discoveries into new approaches to patient care. He will also support collaboration across specialties as UTMB expands its cancer research and clinical programs.
A career in cancer research and leadership
Before joining UTMB, Kalluri held faculty and leadership positions at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. At MD Anderson, he served as chair of the Department of Cancer Biology and director of the Metastasis Research Center.
He has authored more than 360 scientific publications and received more than 165,000 citations for his work. His honors include election to the Association of American Physicians, American Association for Advancement of Science, National Academy of Inventors, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award.
“I’m thrilled to join UTMB and contribute to the transformative vision for patient care, breakthrough research, and the education and training of the next generation of physicians and scientists,” Kalluri said. “Science and medicine stand at an inflection point. I’m honored to join the team to build a model for AI-driven clinical practice, healthy aging, and impactful fundamental research, where innovation accelerates discovery while human judgment and oversight remain paramount.”
Kalluri's appointment reflects a commitment at UTMB to advancing scientific discovery and expanding access to innovative approaches to cancer care.