Communications from the Chief Scientific Officer

With much enthusiasm, we announce the recruitment of Eric M. Morrow, MD, PhD, to serve as the Founding Director of the Lurie Autism Institute (LAI), a proud and ambitious partnership between the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Morrow will begin this new role as well as join the Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics at PSOM on September 1, 2026.

Launched last summer through a transformational $50 million gift from the Lurie Family, the largest single donation to US academic medical centers focused on autism research across the lifespan, the LAI will drive discoveries with far-reaching impact for those living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A national search began in the Fall to appoint a visionary leader with clinical and scientific expertise to drive the innovative mission forward, and interest in directing the LAI was extremely high, with applications from many superb candidates. Dr. Morrow was recognized throughout the process by colleagues and our search committee members as an outstanding physician-scientist whose extensive experience in and knowledge of ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders will lead the Institute with distinction.

Dr. Morrow is currently the Mencoff Family Professor in the Departments of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry; Neuroscience; and Psychiatry at Brown University, where he also serves as Director in the Center for Translational Neuroscience and Director of Developmental Disorders Genetics Research Program at Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital. He received his PhD in genetics and neurodevelopment at Harvard University and his MD degree from the Health Science Training Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School. He conducted further clinical and scientific training in neurology and psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Morrow's research focuses on normal molecular mechanisms of brain development, and genetic perturbations that underlie disorders of human cognitive development, including autism and intellectual disability. His robust laboratory investigates mechanisms in neuronal organelles, such as endosomes, lysosomes and mitochondria, including also neurometabolism. He and his colleagues have focused on novel human neurogenetic syndromes. Study of these syndromes, such as Christianson Syndrome and GPT2 Deficiency, have led his laboratory to investigate mechanisms in selective neuronal vulnerability and neurodegeneration. The laboratory is also working on molecular therapies for these neurogenetic disorders.

Known for his collaborative spirit, Dr. Morrow’s credentials impressed in many ways, and with his expertise also comes stellar knowledge of our two institutions, as he served on both CHOP’s and Penn Medicine’s Autism External Scientific Reviews in 2023, which provided the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, trainees, and other community members. The experience deepened Dr. Morrow’s respect for the unique partnership between Penn and CHOP, and he recognizes that at the present moment in autism research, there are unprecedented scientific opportunities for progress. CHOP and Penn programs are ideally suited to have transformative impact.

At this time, we extend our gratitude to Daniel Rader, MD, Seymour Gray Professor of Molecular Medicine and Chair of the Department of Genetics, who was an instrumental part of establishing the LAI and who provided sound leadership as interim director.

Together, Penn and CHOP are delighted to welcome Dr. Morrow as the Director of the Lurie Autism Institute, which, under his leadership, will serve as a nationally and globally recognized hub for ASD research, collaboration, and advocacy. We are confident that with the support of this partnership between PSOM and CHOP, the LAI will drive discovery, shape therapeutic development, and foster partnerships with scientists, clinicians, families, students, and our broader community.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Morrow and giving him a warm Penn and CHOP welcome!

E. Michael Ostap, PhD

Professor of Physiology

Senior Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer,

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

and

Susan Furth, MD, PhD

Edmond F. Notebaert Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research

Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer,

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia