Jorge Ruas, PhD recruited to the Department of Pharmacology and Frankel IHBH

The University of Michigan Medical School is delighted to announce that Dr. Jorge Ruas has joined the faculty as a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and a member of the Stanley and Judith Frankel Institute For Heart and Brain Health.

Dr. Ruas, originally from Portugal, is a highly respected scholar who brings a wealth of scientific experience and accomplishment to the university. After earning his PharmD from the University of Lisbon in 1995, Dr. Ruas went on to complete his Ph.D. at the Karolinska Institute’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology in 2005. His postdoctoral work was conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Bruce Spiegelman at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from 2006 to 2011.

Dr. Ruas was recruited back to the Karolinska Institute as a faculty member in 2011, and quickly advanced to the rank of Professor of Molecular Physiology. In this role, he also led the Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology Group, contributing groundbreaking research on the adaptability of physiological systems, from cellular responses to organismal adjustments, in the face of environmental challenges. His work skillfully intertwines complex scientific themes such as metabolism, inter-organ communication, skeletal muscle biology, and the impact of exercise as a physiological stress.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ruas to the university and our institute. His exceptional track record and commitment to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of physiological adaptation not only align perfectly with the vision of our institute but also promise to enhance our scientific community more broadly. Dr. Ruas is an outstanding scientist, and his presence here will undoubtedly spark transformative collaborations and discoveries with important implications for human health,” expressed Dr. Anthony Rosenzweig, Director of Frankel IHBH.

In addition, Dr. Lori Isom, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, shares Dr. Rosenzweig’s excitement: “Dr. Ruas’ expertise in diabetes and metabolism and commitment to training the next generation of scientists fit perfectly with the research and training missions of the Department of Pharmacology.  Dr. Ruas clearly understands the difficult process of translating basic science discovery to the clinic. Our faculty and trainees look forward to developing new and impactful collaborations with his research group. Dr. Ruas’s international stature will further enhance the visibility of our Department. We welcome him to Michigan Pharmacology!”

Dr. Ruas' innovative research has been recognized by multiple prestigious awards, including the 2022 Med Dr. Axel Hirsch Prize, the Novo Nordisk Foundation Ascending Investigator in Endocrinology and Metabolism, and the Leif C. Groop Prize for Outstanding Diabetes Research.