People

Bold ideas and state-of-the-art laboratories are the building blocks of new discovery, but the real power of the Taubman Institute lies in the collective vision of our stakeholders, from the brilliant physician-researchers we support to our generous donors, Michigan Medicine leadership, eminent external board members, the Taubman family, our staff and the many U-M organizations our programs touch.

Brilliant science is exciting, but we don’t stop there. 

We amplify the work of Taubman Scholars, Taubman Emerging Scholars and TIIP investigators by serving as a hub of collaboration, mentorship, collegial support and sophisticated project management.  We connect generous donors with projects in need of a financial boost, and we nurture the next generation of biomedical investigators through our mentorship of learners in Michigan Medicine's MD/PhD program.

The Taubman Institute is directed by Charles Burant, MD, PhD, one of the original Taubman Scholars and a nationally recognized endocrinologist who studies diabetes and obesity.  

Managing Director Grace L. Wu, MS, a seasoned leader who has held a variety of positions at U-M over the past 20 years, oversees finance, administration and human resources.  Other staff members handle project management, data analysis, administration, outreach and communications.

Entry into the community of scholars is indefinite, and researchers whose grant terms end still continue to participate in peer scientific review, mentoring, and serving on the director's internal advisory committee.  

Our external Scientific Advisory Board of nationally prominent academic scientists meets periodically to review and provide feedback about scientific programs, scholar selection, and strategy. Oversight of the institute is conducted by a Governing Council that includes university executives, family foundation members and Taubman Scholars.