Leader of biotechnology programs at Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) will help advance Battelle’s growing healthcare business
COLUMBUS, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dr. Justin Sanchez, a noted expert in neurotechnology and Director of
the Biological Technologies Office (BTO) at DARPA,
will join Battelle
as a Technical Fellow, a prestigious position where he will guide
Battelle’s life sciences research business. Battelle is the world’s
largest independent research and development organization and has a rich
history of scientific innovation for nearly 90 years.
Dr. Sanchez becomes the second Technical Fellow within Battelle, joining Dr.
Amy Heinz who is a recognized leader in Advanced Materials.
Battelle’s Tech Fellows are scientists and engineers whose body of work,
reputation in their field, and vision for the future are nationally
recognized. Tech Fellows operate at the general management level, serve
on the leadership team, lead the organization’s overall technical
investment strategies, and drive collaboration across Battelle as well
as with government, industry and academia.
“We’re very pleased that Dr. Sanchez will be joining Battelle to lead
scientific advancement across our broad portfolio of life science
offerings in medical devices, pharmaceutical research, biosecurity, and
public health,” said Matt Vaughan, President of Battelle’s Contract
Research business. “Justin’s long list of achievements, and the respect
he commands in both government and industry, cannot be overstated. His
vison, drive and willingness to take risks will be instrumental in
accelerating innovation and building partnerships that accelerate our
contribution to the next generation of transformative technologies that
advance national security, human health and well-being.”
In his most current position at DARPA, Sanchez led the office
responsible for developing breakthrough biological technologies and
capabilities for national security including those in neurotechnology,
gene editing/synthetic biology and infectious disease. He led strategy
development and during his tenure as the Director of BTO was responsible
for growing the office to develop 31 new DARPA programs and investing
more than $1.65 billion at national labs, industry, and academic
institutions.
“I am thrilled to be joining Battelle, an organization that has a
one-of-a-kind mix of deep scientific expertise, market leadership, and
philanthropy to help those in need,” Sanchez said. “Battelle’s potential
for growth is a unique product of its fundamental understanding of some
of the most disruptive scientific fields, and the practical skills to
bring breakthroughs to market rapidly. From idea to prototype to
product, Battelle brings all of the engineering, productization and
commercialization capabilities together under one roof. Combined with an
open partnership model, these assets provide an amazing platform for
growth.”
Added Sanchez, “Biological technologies are opening the door to
transformative solutions that will impact human health, national
security, and industries of the future. I’m honored to have the
opportunity to provide technical leadership, strategic direction and
deep expertise in this fascinating area of science, which has the
potential to improve the lives of so many.”
Sanchez has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, authored two
books on the design of neurotechnology and holds seven patents. Prior to
joining DARPA, he was an associate professor of Biomedical Engineering
and Neuroscience at the University of Miami. He directed the
Neuroprosthetics Research Group where he oversaw development of
neural-interface medical treatments. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and
Master of Engineering degrees in Biomedical Engineering, and a Bachelor
of Science degree in Engineering Science, all from the University of
Florida.
Sanchez officially will begin work at Battelle in late June, following
the conclusion of his duties at DARPA.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to
solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national
laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and
development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical
services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in
Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national
security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental
industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
For more information contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or at delaneyk@battelle.org
or contact T.R. Massey at (614) 424-5544 or at masseytr@battelle.org.
Contacts
Katy Delaney, (614) 424-7208
delaneyk@battelle.org
T.R. Massey, (614) 424-5544
masseytr@battelle.org