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Dr. Britta Will: A New Chapter in Stem Cell Research

On May 16, 2025, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine proudly announced the appointment of Dr. Britta Will as the new director of the Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Will, who has served as an associate professor of oncology, medicine, and cell biology, as well as a Diane and Arthur B. Belfer Scholar in Cancer Research, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein, stated that Dr. Will was the clear choice following an extensive national search. He praised her scientific excellence, commitment to mentorship, and strong leadership skills, all of which have greatly contributed to the College of Medicine and the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) since she joined the institute in 2015.

Dr. Will is stepping into this pivotal role following Ulrich Steidl, M.D., Ph.D., who has been the interim director for four years. Notably, Dr. Will is the first permanent director since the passing of the institute's founding director, Paul Frenette, M.D., Ph.D., in 2021. She expressed her enthusiasm about leading the institute, stating, "I am honored and excited about the opportunity to lead and expand the collaboration and innovation that characterize our devoted scientists, physicians, trainees, and staff."

Under Dr. Will's leadership, the Gottesman Institute aims to advance fundamental research in stem cell functions and the regeneration of tissues and organs. The focus will particularly include research that seeks to counteract and perhaps even reverse chronic degenerative diseases like dementia, diabetes, lung disease, the erosion of the immune system, bone marrow failures, and the initial stages of cancer.

In her own research laboratory, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Will is investigating methods to restore blood regeneration, especially in older adults and cancer patients. Her team has successfully identified critical cellular pathways that allow adult hematopoietic stem cells to continually produce blood throughout their lifespan. Their findings suggest potential therapeutic targets to enhance stem cell function, a significant area of focus for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, battling blood cancer, and dealing with the challenges of aging.

Additionally, Dr. Will is the co-leader of the stem cell biology and cancer biology program at MECCC. She also holds several directorial positions, including that of preclinical research at the Blood Cancer Institute and head of the cancer stem cell pharmacodynamics laboratory, showcasing her extensive contributions to the field.

A strong advocate for the next generation of scientists, Dr. Will has devoted considerable time to mentorship. Over her tenure at Einstein, she has guided 40 students, including undergraduates, medical and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. Besides her teaching duties, she plays an active role in the Ph.D. admissions process, having served on various committees since 2016. Her preceptorship in pathway programs is a testament to her dedication to fostering young talent in science, particularly from underrepresented communities in the Bronx area.

Dr. Will's exceptional contributions to science have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including the Ceriale Mid-Career Investigator Award from Einstein and various grants and research scholar awards. Furthermore, her groundbreaking work has garnered her recognition as a 2020 recipient of the Pershing Square Sohn Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research. She also currently holds a scholarship from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Her professional engagements extend beyond the institution as she co-chairs workshops and working groups focused on hematopoiesis and aging in collaboration with prominent associations in the field.

Dr. Will obtained her Ph.D. in cell biology from Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg in Germany and underwent rigorous training at Harvard. After completing her postdoctoral work at Einstein, she was appointed as an instructor and has since made significant strides in cancer research and stem cell biology at Einstein.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine is recognized nationally for its groundbreaking research, robust medical education, and impactful clinical investigations. Currently accommodating 712 M.D. and 226 Ph.D. students, as well as 112 students enrolled in the joint M.D./Ph.D. program, the institution prides itself on its dedicated faculty of over 2,000 members. With significant NIH funding in 2024, Einstein is at the forefront of a variety of clinical research areas, including aging, diabetes, and cancer, while also prioritizing health equity initiatives to address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. To learn more, visit einsteinmed.edu.