Northeastern has named a major scientist as the George D. Behrakis Chair of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Alexandros Makriyannis, who has worked for thirty years at the University of Connecticut in a variety of capacities, most recently as director of its Center for Drug Discovery, will lead a similar center at Northeastern when he arrives this fall.

Makriyannis’s appointment—part of the university’s new five-year, $75 million academic investment plan to hire a hundred new faculty to boost research and graduate programs in key areas—is considered a major step forward for the university’s biotechnology initiative.

An expert in the analgesic effects of cannabinoids, a derivative of cannabis, as well as their effects as possible appetite suppressors or enhancers, Makriyannis will continue his work on novel medications as well as new technologies aimed at improving drug discovery. He will also hold joint appointments in chemistry and chemical biology.

“For Bouvé College, this is one of the most important chairs we’ve awarded,” says dean Stephen Zoloth. Arts and Sciences dean James Stellar calls Makriyannis a strong addition to the four-person biotech team, which includes Bradstreet Chair William Hancock and Black Chair Michail Sitkovsky.

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