John Manning, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Manning promoted to VP for Research Operations
After serving as executive director for Research Operations at Vanderbilt University Medical Center since 2000, John Manning, Ph.D., M.B.A., has been promoted to the position of vice president for Research Operations.
In his role as executive director, Manning managed research infrastructure, including core facilities and animal care programs, at the Medical Center. In his new role, he will continue to oversee the expansion and modernization of the Office of Research business and administrative capabilities.
The promotion comes at a time when the Medical Center's research enterprise is growing at a remarkable rate, said Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Research.
The Medical Center's funded research has more than doubled in size since Manning's arrival in 2000, from less than $200 million to more than $400 million per year. This growth has also expanded the scope of Manning's operational and administrative activities for the organization.
“His promotion recognizes not only his broadening responsibilities, but most importantly, his unique contributions in making the expanded scope and impact of our research programs possible,” Balser said. “John may well be the best-qualified individual in the country to lead these activities.”
“Our research environment at VUMC is outstanding, not only because of superb investigators, but also because of outstanding research cores and centers,” said Michael Waterman, Ph.D., chair of Biochemistry. “Since his arrival, John has invested enormous energy into improving the core facilities, scientific programs in centers, and overseeing development of other programs aimed at assisting researchers, such as the bridge funding programs.”
“John is a very strong supporter of basic science at Vanderbilt, and we are fortunate to have his leadership in the Office of Research,” said Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
“He keeps research front-and-center, facilitates new initiatives and plays a critical role in acquisition of cutting-edge technologies.”
Manning earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from The University of Notre Dame, and an M.B.A from the University of Chicago.
He served on the faculty at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Public Health, and later joined the Argonne National Laboratories, where he served as director of the bioremediation research group and, later, as executive technical assistant to the director.
“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work every day with the exceptional faculty of the Medical Center,” Manning said.
“I have said, from the day I arrived here, that the spirit of cooperation among faculty and staff is what makes Vanderbilt a very unique and special institution. With my colleagues in the Office of Research, I look forward to continuously improving the scientific and administrative infrastructure necessary for the faculty to use their creative talents to the best of their ability.”