Jon VanLeeuwen, PhD, is a neuroscientist who works at the intersection of science, medicine, and policy. His work focuses on research strategy, translational science, industry partnerships, and using technology to make a global impact. In his current roles at UCSF, he serves as director of strategic initiatives for the Weill Institute for Neurosciences, is an assistant adjunct professor in the Department of Neurology, and a faculty member of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI). He is also co-director of UCSF’s Global Teleneurology Service (GTS), which strives to advance neurological health and understanding in resource-limited settings. At GBHI, he co-leads the health policy curriculum and is one of the lead organizers of the Global Neurology Forum, a seminar series done in collaboration with GTS that aims to enhance understanding of neurological conditions and increase awareness of approaches to care in varied settings. Dr. VanLeeuwen previously spent several years working in the federal government at the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Veteran Affairs. Within the Department of State, he worked in the Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources on issues related to global health, peace & security, and data. He made his foray into federal policy as an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow, also with the U.S. Department of State. Dr. VanLeeuwen holds a PhD in neuroscience from Northwestern University where his research investigated the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity in aging and disease.

Learn more about Dr. VanLeeuwen here.