Dr. Hector Floyd DeLuca is an internationally renowned biochemist whose pioneering research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of vitamin metabolism and its critical role in human physiology. He currently holds the distinguished position of Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he previously served as Harry Steenbock Research Professor from 1965 to 2011 and as Department Chair of Biochemistry for over three decades across two separate terms. Born in Pueblo, Colorado in 1930, DeLuca earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Colorado in 1951 before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the mentorship of renowned biochemist Harry Steenbock. His early career established him as a rising star in nutritional biochemistry with a particular focus on vitamin research that would define his scientific legacy.
Dr. DeLuca's groundbreaking research on vitamin D metabolism has revolutionized the field, transforming our understanding of vitamin D from a simple dietary supplement to a crucial hormone with complex physiological roles. His laboratory identified and characterized two critical metabolites of vitamin D that are essential for calcium regulation and bone health, discoveries that laid the foundation for modern treatments of osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, and other metabolic bone diseases. Through his nearly 2000 patents and licensing agreements with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, his research has generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue while translating basic scientific discoveries into tangible clinical applications that have improved patient outcomes worldwide. His scholarly impact is further evidenced by his extensive publication record and his mentorship of almost 160 graduate students who have gone on to distinguished careers in academia and industry.
Beyond his direct research contributions, DeLuca has profoundly shaped the field through his entrepreneurial spirit, founding three biotechnology companies including Deltanoid Pharmaceuticals, Bone Care International Inc, and Tetrionics, which have continued to advance vitamin D-based therapeutics. His leadership as a member of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences and his service on the National Task Force on the NIH Strategic Plan demonstrate his commitment to shaping national research priorities in nutrition and health. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors including the CALS Distinguished Alumni Award and the Brian D. Howell Innovation Award, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of researchers exploring the intricate relationships between nutrition, metabolism, and human health. While currently in emeritus status, his foundational work remains critically relevant as researchers continue to uncover new roles for vitamin D in immune function, cancer prevention, and other physiological processes.
