Thomas C. Skalak, Ph.D., Joins As Executive Director Of Science And Technology

SEATTLE, Dec. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation welcomes the expertise of renowned bioengineer Thomas C. Skalak Ph.D., as Executive Director of Science and Technology programs. Beginning February 1, 2015, Skalak will lead a team that will explore new frontiers in life sciences and make strategic investments with meaningful global impact.

"Our science and technology efforts are dedicated to advancing the discovery of new innovations and advancing new approaches that solve some of the world's greatest challenges," said Paul Allen. "Dr. Skalak's expertise and breadth of vision will give a valuable strategic direction to our efforts to answer essential questions about the world around us."

Skalak spent the past 28 years at University of Virginia, serving as Vice President for Research for the last seven. He led multiple strategic growth activities at UVA, including multidisciplinary groups in innovation and entrepreneurship, big data and biosciences, as well as sustainability and clean energy. Skalak also oversaw the launch of the OpenGrounds collaborative initiative. The program is changing the way universities and communities interact, by bringing faculty, students, and external partners together for impactful cross-boundary collaborations.

"My time at UVA has been exceptionally rewarding because I've been able to lead and participate in exciting endeavors across the university," said Skalak. "The talented group of faculty, students and external partners with whom I worked has had significant impact on how the university functions, on new knowledge creation, and on the translation of new knowledge to society via innovation that makes a difference for people, the economy and the world."

Skalak will provide strategic direction and oversee the Science and Technology group for the Foundation, which seeks to fund high-risk, high-reward projects that are poised to make significant impacts on the research field as a whole.

"The vision of Paul Allen creates a compelling opportunity to help change the world," Skalak said. "I am tremendously excited to join an organization that is tirelessly dedicated to building a better future for us all."

A recognized expert in microvascular structure and function, biomechanics and multi-scale modeling of living systems, Skalak received his bachelor's degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego. More recently, Skalak was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, an accolade that recognizes those who invent or facilitate significant patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

About The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

Launched by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen and Jo Lynn Allen in 1988, the Allen family's philanthropy is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities by fostering innovation, creating knowledge and promoting social progress. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded over $446 million to more than 1,400 nonprofit groups to support and advance their critical charitable endeavors in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Foundation's funding programs nurture the arts, engage children in learning, address the needs of vulnerable populations, advance scientific and technological discoveries, and provide economic relief amid the downturn. For more information, go to www.pgafamilyfoundation.org.

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SOURCE The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

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