John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
The Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign has been renamed the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign following a significant donation from philanthropists Linda and Mike Mussallem. This contribution aims to support the center's future endeavors, particularly in policy, life sciences innovation, and health equity.
Mike Mussallem, former chairman and CEO of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, along with his wife Linda, are providing resources to sustain the program permanently. "Through world-class training, better innovation policies, and a distinct drive toward more equitable and accessible health solutions, the next chapter of Stanford Biodesign will have a profound impact on patients, health care providers, and communities here at home and around the globe," said Stanford University President Jonathan Levin.
Stanford Biodesign has been an integral part of the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for over two decades. It is renowned globally for its premier training programs aimed at aspiring health technology innovators. Lloyd Minor, Dean of the School of Medicine at Stanford University, emphasized the importance of this new phase: “Stanford Medicine’s rich array of relevant multidisciplinary resources and premier clinical and research infrastructure provides the platform on which to build this next exciting phase of Stanford Biodesign.”
Jennifer Widom, Dean of the School of Engineering at Stanford University, highlighted Stanford's unique ability to integrate diverse disciplines into a cohesive ecosystem that drives innovation. She stated that "Biodesign is a great example of how Stanford’s innovation ecosystem can rapidly bring critical innovations to market."
The Mussallems' gift marks their first donation to the university. During his tenure at Edwards Lifesciences, Mike Mussallem established a corporate foundation supporting numerous nonprofit organizations. The couple also founded The Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation focusing on healthcare innovation among other areas.
Mike Mussallem expressed his commitment: “As impressive as Stanford Biodesign’s history has been, we believe it can have even greater impact.” He emphasized their belief in expanding resources to multiply their impact globally.
Stanford Biodesign follows an approach prioritizing identifying unmet needs before devising solutions through its identify-invent-implement process. This methodology has inspired over 50 institutions worldwide to create similar programs.
New initiatives under the renamed center include advancements in policy research addressing pressing health issues such as artificial intelligence regulation and health data interoperability; expanded training offerings across life science disciplines; and partnerships aimed at improving patient access for underserved populations.
The center's alumni have founded 57 health technology companies impacting over 13 million people globally. Co-founder Josh Makower now leads as Byers Family Director in honor of Brook Byers’ long-term support.
“Stanford Biodesign was founded with the ambitious vision to create a network of training and support for students... With this new gift,” Makower noted, “we will be able to grow the program while maintaining an unrelenting focus on our core values.”
Media contacts:
Eileen DiFranco: (650) 724-5913
eileen.difranco@stanford.edu
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