Dr. Babak Behnam, Professor of Human Genetics, is an accomplished physician-scientist with a career spanning regulatory affairs, clinical and biomedical research, and academia. With over 14 years of leadership experience, he has successfully managed complex projects in genomic and molecular medicine, rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases, cancer genetics, and neurogenetics.

Dr. Behnam’s expertise includes phenotype characterization, molecular and biochemical approaches to disease understanding, personalized medicine, and next-generation drug development. In late 2024, he joined the Floret Center for Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics Research as a Visiting Professor, further advancing cutting-edge research and mentorship in these fields.

During his tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Behnam played a pivotal role in the Undiagnosed Diseases Program, leading research on rare genetic conditions, regulatory submissions, and vaccine safety evaluations. His two-year fellowship in Clinical Biochemical Genetics refined his expertise in advanced genetic testing, laboratory informatics, and public health data management.

In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Behnam served as a regulatory specialist at NSF International, ensuring compliance with Investigational New Drug (IND) applications and Biologics License Applications (BLA). He acted as a vital liaison between regulatory agencies and key stakeholders, contributing to the development and approval of innovative healthcare solutions.

Dr. Behnam has earned national and international recognition for his contributions to genomic medicine and precision therapeutics. His robust publication record underscores his active engagement in advancing the field through research, conferences, and workshops. His innovative drug-targeting strategies and novel mutation discoveries are reflected in his patent applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO).

As the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Avicenna Biotech Research, Dr. Behnam leads efforts to translate groundbreaking research into practical applications, focusing on advancing personalized healthcare solutions and precision medicine.