Communications from the Chief Scientific Officer

Dear Colleagues, 

After more than a decade of dedicated leadership and counsel, we extend our sincere gratitude to Louis J. Soslowsky, PhD, Fairhill Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Bioengineering, who will step down from his role as Associate Dean for Research Integration in the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) on June 30, 2026.   

Beginning with Dr. Soslowsky’s partnership with the Office of the Dean in 2015 as Associate Dean of Research Core Facilities, which had him oversee all aspects of biomedical research core facilities within PSOM, the scope of his role transitioned in 2017 to a newly created position – Associate Dean for Research Integration – specifically to address and strategize on the increasingly important collaborative opportunities across campus.  Dr. Soslowsky has given his time and energy to bridge research efforts and strategy between PSOM and partnering schools and programs, “integrating” scientific and academic interests and technological investments. Our community has relied on and benefitted from his extensive experience with research core facilities, emerging technologies, and collaborations across campus to advance innovative initiatives. 

Over the years, several signature programs were formed and/or driven by Dr. Soslowsky’s leadership, including The Synergy Grant Program, which connects faculty from different domains through science and innovation; and the Dean’s Distinguished Visiting Professorship, a program which he pioneered to recognize and engage rising stars on the Penn faculty based in schools outside of PSOM.  Our "visiting" professors experience the type of event we typically plan for faculty from other institutions, including a seminar and opportunities to meet with faculty and trainees, underscoring the community and relationship building aspect of Dr. Soslowsky’s initiatives.

Dr. Soslowsky is a trusted and respected colleague to all.  As he returns full-time to a robust research program, he will also continue to serve as the Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. 

We are deeply grateful for the many and far-reaching contributions of Dr. Soslowsky, whose work has enhanced our overall collaborative and integrative scientific community.

Sincerely,

Jon Epstein and Mike Ostap

E. Michael Ostap, PhD

Professor of Physiology

Senior Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer,

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania