Anthony P. Monaco

Anthony P. Monaco
Name	Anthony P. Monaco
Birth date	1959 (age 64–65)
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alma mater	Princeton University (A.B.), Harvard University (M.D., Ph.D.)
Occupation	Neuroscientist, University president
Known for	President of Tufts University, Research in neurogenetics
Title	13th President of Tufts University
Term start	2011
Term end	2023
Predecessor	Lawrence S. Bacow
Successor	Sunil Kumar

Anthony P. Monaco is an American neuroscientist and academic administrator who served as the thirteenth president of Tufts University. His tenure, from 2011 to 2023, was marked by significant expansion of the university's global initiatives and research infrastructure. A pioneering researcher in neurogenetics, his scientific work has focused on the genetic basis of developmental disorders such as dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder.

Early life and education

Born in Boston, he was raised in nearby Winchester, Massachusetts. He completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, graduating with an A.B. in biochemistry in 1981. He then entered a combined M.D.-Ph.D. program at Harvard University, earning his doctorate in genetics in 1990 and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1991. His doctoral research was conducted at the Harvard–MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology and at the Whitehead Institute.

Academic career

Following postdoctoral training, he began his independent research career in the United Kingdom. In 1995, he joined the University of Oxford as a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow and was appointed a professor of human genetics. He founded and directed the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics at Oxford, a leading institute for the study of complex genetic diseases. His administrative experience grew through various leadership roles within the Oxford University system.

Presidency of Tufts University

He was selected as president of Tufts University in 2011, succeeding Lawrence S. Bacow. His presidency emphasized interdisciplinary research, international engagement, and campus development. Key initiatives included the launch of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts integration, the expansion of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, and fostering partnerships with institutions like University College London and the University of Melbourne. He oversaw the conclusion of the university's $1.2 billion capital campaign and announced his intention to step down in 2023, succeeded by Sunil Kumar.

Research and scientific contributions

His research laboratory made landmark discoveries in the field of neurogenetics. He led the team that identified the first gene linked to developmental dyslexia, known as KIAA0319, on chromosome 6. His work also contributed significantly to the understanding of the genetics of autism spectrum disorder, including research on the CNTNAP2 gene. These findings have been influential in the broader study of neurodevelopmental disorders and language impairment.

Awards and honors

His scientific contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Robert Bing Prize from the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences. He is an elected fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in the United Kingdom and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has also served on numerous advisory boards for research organizations, including the National Institutes of Health.

Personal life

He is married and has three children. An advocate for the arts, he has served on the board of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His personal and professional papers are held within the archives of Tufts University.

Category:American neuroscientists Category:Tufts University people Category:Princeton University alumni Category:Harvard University alumni Category:University of Oxford faculty Category:1959 births Category:Living people