Dr. Jonathan D. Licht Appointed President of Van Andel Institute

Dr. Jonathan D. Licht: A New Era at Van Andel Institute

On October 29, 2025, the Van Andel Institute (VAI), a prominent research organization located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced the significant appointment of Dr. Jonathan D. Licht as its new President and Chief Scientific Officer. This esteemed physician-scientist, renowned internationally for his work, is set to assume his new responsibilities in early 2026.

Dr. Licht's extensive career is marked by outstanding achievements in building impactful research programs that align with VAI's mission of enhancing health and improving lives. His groundbreaking scientific contributions have fundamentally transformed our understanding of the mechanisms underlying blood cancers, particularly leukemia.

He will be succeeding Dr. Peter A. Jones, who has been at the helm since 2013 and has played a pivotal role in establishing VAI as a leader in the field of cancer epigenetics. Under Dr. Jones's leadership, the institute has seen remarkable growth and has emerged as a significant player in the biomedical research space, particularly known for its innovative approaches to understanding how genes are regulated without altering their sequences.

In response to his appointment, David Van Andel, CEO and Chairman of the VAI, expressed immense confidence in Dr. Licht's capabilities, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Licht to Van Andel Institute. His proven leadership will build upon our strong foundation and lead the Institute into a promising future." Dr. Jones will continue to contribute to VAI's research initiatives as a professor in the Department of Epigenetics and will participate in the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer® Epigenetics Dream Team, which focuses on exploring novel cancer therapies.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Licht brings a wealth of experience and a vision that is geared toward furthering VAI's mission. A graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned his M.D. from Columbia University and honed his clinical skills at prestigious institutions, including Beth Israel Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Mount Sinai. With over 240 scholarly publications and leadership roles in organizations such as the American Society of Hematology, Dr. Licht's influence in the field of hematology and oncology is profound.

His previous directorship at the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute culminated in the center earning a National Cancer Institute designation in 2023, which speaks to his effectiveness in fostering cutting-edge cancer research. Dr. Licht's lab focuses on the epigenetic errors that contribute to various blood malignancies, aiming to develop therapies that can reverse these detrimental processes. Notably, his work has unveiled genetic mutations associated with significant leukemia recurrence rates in children and their presence in multiple myeloma, highlighting a promising frontier for therapeutic advancements.

In his statements regarding the role, Dr. Licht shared, "I am honored to succeed my friend Dr. Peter Jones. This institution has established itself as a global leader in biomedical research, and I am eager to collaborate with faculty, staff, and trainees while developing new initiatives across various scientific domains."

Commitment to Excellence

Dr. Licht's dedication to developing the next generation of scientists is recognized through multiple accolades, including the 2021 American Society of Hematology Basic Science Mentor Award. His leadership style and mentorship are poised to inspire both current researchers and aspiring students at VAI, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

VAI, founded in 1996 by the Van Andel family, has grown into a hub for over 500 scientists and educators dedicated to solving some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The Institute aims not just to advance scientific understanding of diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders but to translate this knowledge into effective prevention and treatment strategies. The commitment to education through inquiry-based programs for K–12 students and rigorous Ph.D. training further solidifies VAI's role in nurturing the next wave of scientific leaders.

Looking ahead, Dr. Licht's leadership is anticipated to broaden VAI's reach, not just locally in Grand Rapids but also on a national and global stage. As the institute tracks new collaborations with regional medical and academic institutions, the future appears bright for the Van Andel Institute under his stewardship.