Johann E. Gudjonsson, M.D., Ph.D.
Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Emerging Scholar
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Understanding the Genetics of Psoriasis and Other Skin Diseases
Building upon investigative dermatology training completed in Iceland, Johann Gudjonsson is pursuing novel approaches to the genetics and immunology of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, with a goal to advance our understanding of the genetic causes of these disorders, which may help in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
An internationally recognized authority in the field of psoriasis genetics and immunology, he received the Young Investigator Award from the American Academy of Dermatology in 2007 and his work has earned several research awards, including awards from the American Skin Association and the Dermatology Foundation.
He also serves as an investigator on the GAIN project, which is a nationwide collaboration to understand the genetic basis of psoriasis. He also has active research collaborations internationally and nationally, including with researchers at University of Iceland, University of Oregon Health and Science University and Case Western Reserve University.
In addition, he has written two textbook chapters, including a chapter on psoriasis in Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, one of the premier textbooks in the field.
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Taubman Emerging Scholars Program
Request for applications
Applications are being accepted for the Taubman Institute Emerging Scholars Program.
The applicant must be a junior member of the faculty at the University of Michigan; generally, that means holding an assistant professor title. The applicant must have either an M.D. or an M.D./Ph.D. It is required that candidates both conduct basic research and treat patients.
Applicants should submit a two-to-three page research proposal, as well as a current CV. Priority will be given to proposals involving translational research. Please submit material to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The deadline is May 7, 2012.
Young Friends host festive NYC fundraiser
Reception introduced scholar candidate Dr. Parag Patil
About 125 supporters of cutting-edge medical research mixed socializing and science May 9 at a cocktail party in Manhattan hosted by the Young Friends of the Taubman Institute's New York City chapter.
The event introduced Dr. Parag Patil, a University of Michigan physician-researcher and a prospective Young Friends Emerging Scholar. Here's a clip from Dr. Patil's appearance on the TV program "The Doctors," where he demonstrates how deep-brain stimulation has helped a patient with Parkinson's disease.
Emerging Scholars are early-career clinician-scientists who show great promise in research aimed at new cures or treatments; through the Taubman Institute, donors support them with three-year grants while their labs earn the credentials to win broader funding support.
The Young Friends event, which raised a significant contribution toward the Emerging Scholars program, was held at the ABC Carpet & Home showrooms at 888 Broadway, Attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, a silent auction and a presentation by Dr. Patil. The silent auction included jewelry, fashion items, a Botox consultation and treatment, Morgan Hotel Group rooms and the opportunity to bid on a meeting and photo with former President William Jefferson Clinton.
Taubman Research
Dr. Max Wicha: Some treatments actually increase cancer stem cells
Avastin and Sutent have been found to increase the growth of breast cancer stem cells in mice, according to Taubman Scholar Dr. Max Wicha, director of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.
