Norman Sharpless

Ned Sharpless official portrait

Norman E. Sharpless is an American oncologist and academic who has made significant contributions to the field of cancer research. He served as the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and has held various prestigious positions in the medical and academic communities.

Early Life and Education

Norman Sharpless was born in North Carolina. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He then attended the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree (MD).

Career

After completing his medical degree, Sharpless pursued a residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School.

Academic Positions

Sharpless joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002. He served as the Wellcome Distinguished Professor of Cancer Research and the Director of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC.

National Cancer Institute

In 2017, Sharpless was appointed as the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a position he held until 2021. During his tenure, he focused on advancing cancer research, improving cancer prevention and treatment, and promoting collaboration among researchers.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

In 2019, Sharpless served as the Acting Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a brief period. His leadership at the FDA was marked by efforts to address public health challenges, including the opioid crisis and the regulation of e-cigarettes.

Research Contributions

Sharpless's research has primarily focused on the mechanisms of aging and cancer. He has published numerous scientific papers on topics such as cell cycle regulation, tumor suppression, and the role of the immune system in cancer.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Sharpless has received several awards and honors for his contributions to medical science and cancer research. These include recognition from professional organizations and academic institutions.

Personal Life

Norman Sharpless is married and has children. He continues to be active in the medical and research communities, contributing to advancements in cancer treatment and prevention.

See Also

• National Cancer Institute
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Cancer research
• Oncology