Grossman Institute for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior created

June 8, 2011

The University has created a new institute designed to establish a group of scholars working at the intersection of quantitative biology, neuroscience, and the study of social and individual behaviors. 

The Grossman Institute for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior is a collaborative effort initially between the Biological Sciences Division and the Social Sciences Division. Over time the institute may involve faculty from the physical sciences and the humanities, as well as other parts of the University, according to Kenneth Polonsky, Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs.

Polonsky said the Grossman Institute will build upon existing strengths in these fields at the University to address fundamental questions about the biological, social, and environmental factors that shape social behaviors and inter-individual variation in model organisms and humans.
 
Eight to 10 new faculty members, including an Institute director, will be recruited to the University. Faculty members of the Institute will be appointed in existing departments through the customary processes. A joint faculty committee of the Biological Sciences Division and the Social Sciences Division will lead the search process.

Polonsky said the same committee will then work with the director to ensure smooth operation of the Institute and seamless integration with existing programs at the University, while deans of the Biological Sciences and Social Sciences divisions will provide additional administrative oversight. The Institute's faculty and director will establish a detailed, scientific agenda.

The new institute is named for University Trustee Sanford Grossman, AB'73, AM'74, PhD'75, Chairman of QFS Asset Management, L.P. 

The naming of the Institute, approved by the Board of Trustees this week, recognizes Grossman's long service to and financial support for the University.

"I would personally like to express my sincere appreciation to Sandy for his support in making the University a leader in this emerging area of science," Polonsky said.