American medical research expert

Mark T. Esser

Dr. Esser is a perfect choice to lead the Manning Institute – and UVA – to the very forefront of cutting-edge medicine,” Brie Gertler, UVA’s interim executive vice president and provost, said. “He brings the multifaceted expertise and far-reaching skills that will be essential in fast-tracking exciting ideas into lifesaving and life-changing treatments

As the institute’s inaugural scientific officer and leader, Esser will be charged with capitalizing on the cutting-edge biomedical research underway at UVA and UVA Health to tackle some of the greatest challenges in medicine and accelerate the development of new treatments and cures. As head of the Manning Institute, Esser will hold the Thomas A. Saunders Family Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professorship, pending Board of Visitors approval.

I’m excited not just to return to UVA, but to lead it into a new era of biomedical research,” Esser said. “The Manning Institute represents an unprecedented opportunity both for me, personally, and for the entire field of health care. I know the incredible caliber of talent UVA attracts, and I can’t wait to work with many of the top minds in medicine to make a real difference in the lives of people around the world.”

The 350,000-square-foot Manning Institute is under construction in Fontaine Research Park. Once complete, the four-story building will bring high-tech research facilities, state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities and patient care space together under one roof. At the same time, UVA is developing a statewide clinical trials network to expand access to new treatments as they are being developed and tested.

A $100 million gift from the institute’s namesakes, Paul and Diane Manning, kickstarted the concept in early 2023. UVA added $150 million, while state leaders supplemented with another $100 million in funding, bringing the total initial investment to $350 million. One of Esser’s responsibilities will be to foster an “ecosystem of innovation” that will attract biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to the commonwealth and particularly to Central Virginia. The effort has the potential to create hundreds of jobs directly and perhaps thousands indirectly.