The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has named G. Yancey Gillespie, Ph.D., professor in the UAB Department of Neurosurgery and co-leader of UAB’s Neuro-Oncology Program, to its new Research Advisory Network.
The members are drawn from medical centers, research institutions, nonprofit organizations and the pharmaceutical industry, and serve three-year renewable terms.
The 17 selected volunteer members of the panel will provide highly informed perspectives on the biomedical research enterprise. Gillespie will help evaluate the PBTF’s research funding priorities and guide investments.
“I’m honored to receive this appointment and help provide insight to gain new understanding into a devastating disease, and rapidly advance novel therapeutics into clinical trials,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie came to UAB in 1986 to direct brain tumor research efforts in the Division of Neurosurgery and to help establish the Neuro-Oncology Program at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The main thrust of his research is to develop and test specific therapies for treatment of malignant brain tumors in adults and children.He is currently professor of neurosurgery with secondary appointments in the Departments of Microbiology and Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology. Gillespie is also director of the UAB Brain Tumor Specialized Program Of Research Excellence (SPORE). UAB is one of only five institutions in the nation to hold a brain-tumor SPORE grant.