Dr. Richard Klausner formerly served as the director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), where he led one of the world’s largest research and health agencies, creating successful national and international programs aimed at applying science and technology to improving the public health. Following his service at the National Cancer Institute Dr. Klausner was the global health executive director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Health program, whose overarching goal is to improve global health equity. Dr. Klausner is currently a managing partner of The Column Group, a strategy-based venture fund. In addition, Dr. Klausner serves as an advisor to the Prime Ministers of India and Norway. Dr. Klausner is well known for his work in cell and molecular biology. Dr. Klausner has served as chief of the cell biology and metabolism branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. He has served on numerous advisory committees and is the past president of the American Society for Clinical Investigation. He is the author of more than 300 scientific articles and several books, and has received numerous awards and honors. Dr. Klausner has served as a senior fellow at the National Academies of Science, advisor to the presidents of the Academies for counter-terrorism, and liaison to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In addition, Dr. Klausner led the efforts of the National Academies of Science to write standards for science education for the United States. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine and the America Academy of Arts and Sciences.