INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University School of Medicine has appointed John J. Turchi, PhD, as chair of the newly merged Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology. He will assume the role effective Oct. 1.
Turchi is a professor in the departments of medicine and biochemistry and molecular biology and currently serves as the executive director of the Tom and Julie Wood Center for Lung Cancer Research. He also holds the Tom and Julie Wood Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Lung Cancer Research and is a member of the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.
An internationally recognized investigator in DNA damage response and therapeutic drug development, he has led pioneering research on replication protein A and DNA-PK inhibitors, resulting in new directions for targeted cancer therapy. His work has been consistently funded by the National Cancer Institute and foundations, and his more than 100 publications reflect his impact in biochemistry, cancer biology and pharmacology.
"Dr. Turchi is an accomplished researcher, educator and leader who brings a strong vision for how this new department can shape the future of biomedical science at IU School of Medicine," said Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, dean of the school and executive vice president for university clinical affairs. "I am looking forward to seeing this new department excel in both fundamental research as well as an increased focus on translation and clinical and industry partnerships."
The Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology was created in 2025 through the merger of two historically strong academic units. The unified department is positioned to advance IU School of Medicine’s mission by building on strengths in cancer biology, diabetes and metabolism, neurodegenerative disease, structural biology and drug discovery. Faculty also lead key core facilities in proteomics, chemical genomics and electron microscopy, including cryo-EM.
"The newly formed department represents an extraordinary opportunity," Turchi said. "By building on existing strengths and recruiting into key areas such as chemistry and pharmacology, we can create a nationally recognized program at the forefront of scientific discovery. I am especially excited about how this department can foster collaborations that lead to new therapies and improve patient outcomes."
Turchi earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Clemson University and his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Missouri. He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester before joining the faculty at Wright State University. In 2005, he was recruited to IU School of Medicine, where he has since advanced to professor, center director and research leader.
About the Indiana University School of Medicine
The IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability. According to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, the IU School of Medicine ranks No. 13 in 2024 National Institutes of Health funding among all public medical schools in the country.
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