Jeffrey Ravetch elected to Institute of Medicine

Jeffrey V. Ravetch, head of Rockefeller University’s Leonard Wagner Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine. Ravetch is one of 65 new members and four foreign associates whose election was announced today at the institute’s annual meeting at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Ravetch studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how healthy immune cells are made to respond to specific antibodies and how a dysfunctional immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. A graduate of Yale and Rockefeller Universities as well as Cornell University Medical College, Ravetch joined the faculty of Rockefeller University in 1996, and is currently Theresa and Eugene M. Lang Professor. He is the 14th current Rockefeller faculty member to be elected to the Institute of Medicine.

“Jeff’s research has contributed greatly to our understanding of immunotherapy. His work is of great relevance to the fight against cancer and other devastating diseases, and this recognition of Jeff’s contribution — membership to the Institute of Medicine — is very well deserved,” says university president Paul Nurse.

Established in 1970 as a unit of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine was founded for the protection and advancement of the biomedical sciences and health professions, the promotion of research and development pertinent to health and the improvement of health care. The institute is also concerned with other areas of study as they are related to health, including the behavioral and social sciences, humanities, administration, law, the physical sciences and engineering. In pursuit of its mission, the institute conducts studies of specific problems. Institute members contribute their knowledge and professional judgment to the development of findings and the formulation of recommendations relating to public policy. With this year’s election, the institute has 1,538 active members, 84 foreign associates and 70 emeritus members.

Institute of Medicine
Other Institute of Medicine members at Rockefeller