Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, appointed senior vice president and chief research officer
Children’s National Hospital has appointed Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, as the senior vice president and chief research officer of the Children’s National Research Institute. In this role, she will lead efforts to grow basic and translational research programs as well as strategic planning for research and external relationships.
“After over seven years of leading the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, I look forward to building on our groundbreaking research and continuing to drive the development of innovative therapies,” Dr. Bollard said. “The research institute team is poised to take our work to the next level and make an even greater impact in the fight against childhood diseases.”
As a renowned researcher in cancer and immunology and a distinguished leader, Dr. Bollard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. She’s led the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research (CCIR) as director since 2017 and is a member of the Division of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation. With extensive experience in stem cell and cord blood transplantation, Dr. Bollard’s research has significantly advanced cell and gene therapies, improving outcomes for patients with cancer, immune deficiencies and viral infections.
Dr. Bollard is a professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine at George Washington University, as well as the Dr. Robert J. and Florence T. Bosworth Professor of Cancer and Transplantation Biology Research. She serves as the Associate Center Director for Translational Research and Innovation at the George Washington Cancer Center. In these various roles, she leads efforts to combat cancer and inflammatory diseases through adoptive cell therapy and is a recognized leader in the field as past president of the International Society for Cellular Therapy and current president of the Foundation for the Accreditation for Cellular Therapy (FACT).
“As we continue to drive impactful research, I am confident Dr. Bollard will provide exceptional leadership while advancing groundbreaking discoveries and innovations for children worldwide,” said Nate Kuppermann, MD, MPH, executive vice president, chief academic officer of Children's National and director of the Children's National Research Institute. “Our institute is globally recognized for its excellence in groundbreaking pediatric health research and I believe these changes will only further solidify our position as a leader in the field.”