About the Executive Director

Dr. Jack R. Luderer, an executive and medical research specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the life sciences arena, became executive director of Western Michigan University’s Biosciences research and Commercialization Center on May 16, 2005.

Luderer, a physician who has spent more than 20 years in pharmaceutical research, was appointed by the BRCC Board of Governors. A member of that board, Luderer was a key figure in the establishment of this center in 2003 and played a central role in developing the BRCC structure and business plan.

Dr. Luderer has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 17 years having held a series of senior executive positions resulting in a worldwide experience in all phases of pharmaceutical product development. He has supervised more than 300 clinical trials across numerous therapeutics areas. He has global regulatory experience encompassing numerous IND and NDA filings. Jack’s experience in the senior management level of a large multi-national pharmaceutical company has provided him broad experience in the evaluation of new technologies, evaluation and development of new business opportunities, strategic/corporate planning, financial management, and personnel management. His last position at Pharmacia was as Vice-President for U.S. Medical Affairs and prior to that he was Vice President for Clinical Pharmacology and Development. He is a founding partner of The Apjohn Group, and former Vice President for Research at Western Michigan University.

Jack received his medical degree from Northwestern University. He also holds a Masters Degree in Chemistry and is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. He has held academic appointments in the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and the clinical faculty at Michigan State University College of Medicine.