UF Genetics Institute Director Dr. Thomas P. Burris Elected to Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida

The University of Florida Genetics Institute (UFGI) is proud to announce that its Director, Dr. Thomas P. Burris, has been elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL). He joins an elite group of scholars statewide recognized for exceptional contributions to their fields and to society at large.

Dr. Burris also serves as Professor in the Department of Cellular and Systems Pharmacology at the UF College of Pharmacy. He was selected by ASEMFL “for pioneering discoveries in development of drugs targeting nuclear receptors for treatment of human diseases — heart disease, cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders,” according to ASEMFL Executive Director Dr. Michael Georgiopoulos.

This honor reflects decades of groundbreaking research by Dr. Burris, an internationally recognized leader in nuclear receptor biology. His work has advanced drug discovery pipelines for numerous complex diseases, culminating in the development of several first-in-class therapeutics. Dr. Burris has authored over 220 peer-reviewed publications, is an elected Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Heart Association (AHA) and is a two-time Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher which is regarded as an honor awarded to the top 1% of researchers globally by citations.

Prior to joining UF, Dr. Burris held high-level research leadership positions at several premier academic institutions. Since his arrival at UFGI, he has continued to lead pioneering research while fostering a vibrant, interdisciplinary scientific community focused on advancing biomedical innovation.

Dr. Burris will be formally inducted into ASEMFL during the Academy’s Annual Meeting, taking place November 7–8, 2025 at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando. The induction ceremony will be held the morning of Friday, November 7.

Founded to mirror the mission of the National Academies at the state level, ASEMFL recognizes Florida-based scientists, engineers, and medical professionals who demonstrate outstanding career achievements, broad societal impact, and leadership in their disciplines. Membership is by nomination and competitive review, or through automatic election for individuals already elected to the national academies.

UF Faculty Among 2025 ASEMFL Inductees

In addition to Dr. Burris, several other UF faculty members have also been named 2025 ASEMFL inductees, underscoring the university’s continued leadership in research and innovation across disciplines:

• Dr. Azra Bihorac, R. Glenn Davis Professor of Medicine, Surgery and Anesthesiology; Director, Intelligent Clinical Care Center

• Dr. Barry Byrne, Associate Chair of Pediatrics and Director, Powell Gene Therapy Center

• Dr. Ageliki (Lily) Elefteriadou, Barbara Goldsby Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering

• Dr. Bruce J. MacFadden, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Florida Museum of Natural History

• Dr. Cherie Stabler, Professor and Chair, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering

• Dr. Sartaj Sahni, Distinguished Professor of Computer and Information Science and Engineering

• Dr. Mo Wang, University Distinguished Professor, Warrington College of Business

The University of Florida congratulates all of its 2025 ASEMFL inductees and celebrates their continued excellence in research and public impact.

For more information on the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida and the 2025 annual meeting, visit www.asemfl.org.