Dr. Eric Verdin is a preeminent leader in the field of aging research and biomedical science who currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, the world's first independent research institution dedicated exclusively to aging studies. A native of Belgium, Dr. Verdin earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Liege and completed advanced clinical and research training at Harvard Medical School before establishing his distinguished career. He has held prominent academic positions at the University of Brussels, the National Institutes of Health, and the Picower Institute for Medical Research, bringing decades of scientific expertise to his leadership role. Dr. Verdin assumed the presidency of the Buck Institute in November 2016, guiding the organization's growth into a major research center with an annual operating budget of $65 million and approximately 300 employees dedicated to understanding and intervening in the aging process.
Dr. Verdin's groundbreaking research focuses on the molecular mechanisms connecting metabolism, diet, and the aging process, with particular emphasis on histone deacetylases (HDACs) and sirtuins that regulate cellular aging pathways. His laboratory was the first to clone a family of HDAC enzymes, fundamentally advancing the understanding of epigenetic regulation in aging and age-related diseases including Alzheimer's. He has published more than 270 scientific papers, holds over 18 patents, and ranks among the top 1% of highly cited researchers globally for his contributions to geroscience. His work has demonstrated that 93% of longevity outcomes derive from modifiable factors including nutrition, sleep quality, exercise regimens, and lifestyle choices, providing a robust scientific foundation for evidence-based interventions to extend healthspan.
Beyond his laboratory research, Dr. Verdin serves as a respected thought leader who advocates for rigorous scientific evidence over speculative claims in the longevity field, rejecting what he terms 'nonsense' projections of extreme lifespan extension while focusing on achievable health improvements. He maintains active academic appointments as Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and Adjunct Professor of Gerontology at USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, while also contributing to the biotechnology sector through founding companies including BHB Therapeutics, Napa Therapeutics, and Selah. Dr. Verdin's leadership has positioned the Buck Institute at the forefront of translational aging research, exemplified by the announcement of its first human clinical trial (Buck Institute Ketone Ester) in 2023, and his recent appointment as scientific ambassador for the Alliance for Longevity Science, Arts & Entertainment demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific communication.
