Message from the Director

A Message from the Director

The Department is proud of its history. Founded in 1893 by John J. Abel, the "Father of Pharmacology" in the United States, the Johns Hopkins Pharmacology Department's advances over the years have included the first crystals of insulin, the first measurement of a drug level in a human, discovery of both the insulin and opiate receptors, and discovery of a cancer preventive principle in broccoli.  Many of these and other key contributions have been made by students pursuing advanced degrees in our Department.

We are also proud of our track record in student training.  Many of our graduates have gone on to become academic and industrial leaders in biomedical research throughout the country and world.  Not resting on our laurels, we are continuing to maintain our strong commitment to creative scholarship and education. 

Each of our faculty is engaged in cutting-edge research spanning many areas including: chemical biology, immunology, virology, cancer, and neuroscience.  We believe the opportunities for discovering new drug targets and developing novel therapeutics have never been brighter and will continue to be lustrous for the century ahead.  The Johns Hopkins University and School of Medicine provide an excellent scientific environment, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, filled with energetic students, faculty, fellows, and staff.  We hope you take the opportunity to review the research programs of faculty in the Department and that you will contact us if you want more information or wish to arrange a visit. 

Sincerely,

Philip A. Cole, Department Director and
E.K. Marshall and Thomas H. Maren Professor