CONTACT: Jennifer Sereno, Morgridge Institute for Research
(608) 770-8084, jsereno@morgridgeinstitute.org
Dr. Fred Robertson brings industry knowledge and medical expertise to the interdisciplinary biomedical research institute
MADISON, Wis. — The trustees of the Morgridge Institute for Research have named Dr. Fred Robertson as chairman, replacing outgoing chairman Ernie Micek, a former CEO of Cargill, whose term as chair has ended and who will remain on the board.
Robertson served as CEO of two highly successful Wisconsin biomedical companies, TomoTherapy and GE Marquette Medical Systems. He has been a member of the Morgridge Institute’s Board of Trustees since 2011 and also serves on the board of the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
He is a faculty member with the department of anesthesiology at UW–Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health and earned his medical degree from the school. Robertson also holds an MBA from San Diego State University.
“Fred brings a deep understanding of biomedical science to the role of chairman and he recognizes the challenges of translating basic research to the point where it can be applied to therapies and cures,” Micek said. “His extraordinary combination of industry experience and medical knowledge will open new avenues for cooperation that promise to improve human health.”
In announcing the appointment of Robertson as chair, Dr. Brad Schwartz, CEO of the Morgridge Institute, also recognized the great service of Micek.
“Ernie provided strong leadership and guidance through a period when this young institute was undergoing significant restructuring and reformulation of its mission,” Schwartz said. “We thank him for his selfless service and dedication and are pleased that he has agreed to stay on our board of trustees.”
Schwartz said the institute will continue to advance with Robertson as chairman.
“It is a pleasure working with Fred as a member of our board of trustees and I know he has much to offer as chairman,” Schwartz said. “His industry leadership experience and background in medicine will help the management team identify visionary new research directions and opportunities for collaboration. He is committed to enhancing research and educational opportunities at the Morgridge Institute and at UW–Madison.”
Robertson said he looks forward to the role and welcomes the opportunity to further support the Morgridge Institute scientists engaged in regenerative biology, virology, medical devices, core computational technology, bioethics and education outreach.
“The Morgridge Institute leverages the collective research and educational strengths of the university to advance basic science and address critical human health challenges,” said Robertson. “I look forward to serving as chairman as we work together to further develop the Morgridge Institute as a collaborative hub for research.”
About the Morgridge Institute for Research
Made possible with support from John and Tashia Morgridge, other private donors and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the Morgridge Institute for Research is a private, nonprofit biomedical research institute located on the UW–Madison campus. It was established in 2006 to improve human health by conducting, enabling and translating interdisciplinary biomedical research in partnership with UW–Madison and others. It is housed in the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery building, named R&D Magazine’s 2012 Laboratory of the Year, along with the university’s Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Town Center, a public space for celebrating science, creativity and learning. For more information, visit: morgridgeinstitute.org .
