Feb. 26, 2026
Dear colleagues:
Earlier this month, Adam Marcus, MD, officially began his role as senior vice president for research at Emory University. This appointment reflects Adam’s extraordinary leadership and long-standing commitment to advancing discovery, collaboration, and impact across our institution. For the time being, he is continuing his role as senior associate dean of research with the School of Medicine, and I am personally grateful for his service and so proud to see him step into this important role at a uniquely critical time. As he begins this next chapter, he will lead Emory’s university-wide research strategy and work closely with partners across our schools to foster innovation and research excellence.
Below, Adam reflects on the School of Medicine’s research strengths and the future of discovery at Emory in our latest Q&A series.
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What do you see as the School of Medicine's greatest research strengths right now?
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Our greatest strengths are the diversity of our research portfolio and our culture of collaboration, which starts within and extends across our departments. We have a unique ability to bridge basic, translational, and clinical disciplines, ensuring that fundamental breakthroughs in our sciences reach our communities. This internal synergy is the engine of the School of Medicine, allowing us to serve an important role within the broader university ecosystem.
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What excites you most about the future of research at Emory?
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I am excited about how our strategic goals align with the broader research landscape. We have strong momentum fueled by engaged researchers and a strategic plan that honors everything from the bench to the bedside and the community. Whether it is a breakthrough in a basic science lab, a new community health initiative, or our integration with Emory Healthcare, the future is about how these pieces fit together to create a unified, agile, and high-impact SOM research enterprise in the SOM.
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Your new role is demanding. How do you stay energized and creative?
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I enjoy fast-paced, complex environments, and my energy comes from the opportunity to work with team members who bring unique and bold perspectives to the table. Collaborating with the talented scientists, clinicians, and staff across the School of Medicine keeps my own perspective fresh. Solving problems alongside people who think differently is what drives creativity and supports the collective potential we have when we work toward a shared mission.
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Is there anything else you'd like to share?
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I am deeply grateful to the dean, research leaders, and faculty whose collaboration, dialogue and collective efforts shaped our research strategic plan. It was an honor to work alongside such a dedicated group to build this roadmap, which we are in the process of rolling out. I look forward to supporting the School of Medicine’s continued success and seeing the goals of our strategic plan realized.
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Please join me in celebrating Adam’s new role and thanking him for his continued leadership in advancing our research mission. I look forward to sharing more about our research plans in the coming months.
My best,
Sandra
Sandra L. Wong, MD, MS
Dean, Emory University School of Medicine
Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare
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