Adam Marcus, the Winship 5K Research Professor in Hematology and Medical Oncology, senior associate dean of research in the School of Medicine and deputy director of Winship Cancer Institute, has been named Emory's next senior vice president for research (SVPR), effective Jan. 14. He succeeds Deborah Watkins Bruner, who concluded seven years of service as Emory's inaugural SVPR in Dec. 2025.
“Dr. Marcus brings a distinguished track record in advancing research excellence,” says Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, who announced the appointment jointly with Joon Lee, executive vice president for Woodruff Health Sciences and chief executive officer of Emory Healthcare. “During his more than 20 years at Emory, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to translating scientific discoveries into meaningful impact. Moreover, he is a collaborative and inclusive leader who champions scholarship across fields. We are confident that under his leadership, Emory's research enterprise will continue to thrive and drive innovation across all our disciplines.”
In this role, Marcus will lead the university-wide strategy for Emory's research enterprise — responsible for more than $1 billion in sponsored awards annually — and provide strategic oversight of research priorities, operations, compliance and policies across the institution.
An active cancer cell and molecular biology investigator with a continuously funded NIH research portfolio, Marcus has also championed public engagement in research, co-leading community-engaged research efforts around data science education in Georgia middle and high schools.
"Emory’s research enterprise is a powerful engine for discovery and a catalyst for change. I am deeply honored to lead this office as we work to strengthen our synergies and elevate our research mission to even greater heights. I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the university to ensure that our collective expertise continues to drive meaningful impact and scientific excellence."
“Dr. Marcus's strategic vision and commitment to research excellence will serve Emory exceptionally well,” says Lee. “We look forward to this exciting next chapter for research at Emory as we work to build upon our strong research foundation and create new opportunities for discovery and innovation.”
The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, comprising the offices of Research Administration, Technology Transfer, Research Business Operations and Research Development, will continue to be responsible for integrating research with education at both graduate and undergraduate levels and serving as the central resource for guidance on complex research issues. The office partners with federal officials and regulatory bodies to advance accountability, compliance and operational efficiency across the research community, and works to fully align research with Emory’s overall academic mission.
Marcus will report jointly to Ahad and Lee and work closely with deans, faculty leaders and administrative partners to integrate research activities, ensure compliance with evolving federal regulations and guide institutional policies that support the research mission.
“Emory’s research enterprise is a powerful engine for discovery and a catalyst for change,” says Marcus. “I am deeply honored to lead this office as we work to strengthen our synergies and elevate our research mission to even greater heights. I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the university to ensure that our collective expertise continues to drive meaningful impact and scientific excellence.”