Alan R. Saltiel, PhD is a cell biologist whose work focuses on the hormone insulin and its role in cellular signaling. He has published more than 200 research papers, holds nine patents, and has extensive experience with the FDA's testing and approval process for new drugs from a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He has been the director of the LSI since 2002.
Past columns by Alan Saltiel from the newsletter exploreLSI
Michael's Hope
Why basic science research is critical to the quest for more effective cancer treatments. September 2012
A Cutting-Edge Community
This year's symposium, on Development and Diseases of the Nervous System, gathers people who would not normally speak at the same event—and that's the point. May 2012
The Next Generation of Scientific Leaders
Success in science requires many different attributes, including curiosity, judgment, alertness, compassion, stamina, decisiveness, and a sense of humor, all traits that our faculty try to model for their students. December 2011
Beyond Achievement
At the LSI, scientists aren't the stereotypical hermit-like academics. They thrive on interacting with others and work at the boundaries of the disciplines, often tripping over into new fields. October 2011
Measuring Success in Science
The trend to equate excellence in science with the amount of research funding—presumably to incent more grant getting—is a dangerous one that needs to be actively resisted by anyone passionate about discovery. July 2011
Got Team? Creating Championship Science
Creating a culture of innovative discovery depends on achieving the right balance, and developing a value system where this tension is minimized, so that the “I” exists in harmony with the “We." August 2010
The Power of Stem Cell Biology
Understanding how, when and why stem cells choose their fate involves the most fundamental questions in genetics, cell biology, physiology, developmental biology, engineering and many other disciplines. August 2007
Big Science, Small World
The immigration restrictions and tightening of controls in awarding visas have increased the burdens for students and researchers coming from abroad. Hindering the world’s most talented people from participating in our endeavors will only cause further deterioration of our educational systems and economic base, weaken our scientific infrastructure, and block what might be the most important chance we have to promote international understanding and harmony. Spring 2006
All Research Is Basic
We are indoctrinated with the idea that there is a progression from pure, basic science, designed for and motivated by only the most abstract of intentions to uncover deep mysteries, to the applied, more practical work performed by savvy entrepreneurs, intended for prevention or treatment of disease. Frankly, we should know better. Fall 2006
The Tools for Successful Collaboration
It is not enough to simply assemble talent. Bringing talented scientists together across disciplinary lines requires trust. Trust is difficult for almost everyone, but is an especially challenging proposition for scientists who, by nature, rely on seeing the primary data with their own eyes. June 2005
The Drug Discovery Pipeline
With all the resources and attention devoted to improving the discovery process, why are drug company pipelines generally considered so poor? October 2005
Alan Saltiel speaks about the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute as a collaborative scientific hub.
"We are making a difference in human health through collaborative scientific discovery." -Alan Saltiel, Mary Sue Coleman Director of Life Sciences Institute
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