Thomas M. Zydowsky

Tom Zydowsky recently retired from his position as the director of biomedical research and pharmaceutical development at the Population Council’s Center for Biomedical Research (CBR). In that role, he led HIV and AIDS research, working with a team of scientists to understand the biological mechanisms by which HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are acquired and progress, to develop multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that deliver both microbicides and contraceptives, and to manufacture and characterize clinical trial supplies. He is a founder of the Jeiven/CBR Fellowship Program, which connects scientists working in pharmaceutical development at CBR with scientists in Africa. In his new role as senior strategic advisor, Tom works with teams at CBR and worldwide to support the Council’s mission.

Zydowsky received his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Georgia and a certificate in regulatory writing from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Following a National Institutes of Health fellowship with Heinz Floss and Leo Paquette at the Ohio State University, Zydowsky joined Abbott Laboratories, where he designed and synthesized renin inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. Before joining the Council in 2007, he also worked at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Shipley, Eisai Research Institute, and FMC Corporation. Zydowsky is also a freelance writer and specializes in biographies of influential chemists.