Leadership Transition in the Department of Neurobiology

Stephen Lisberger, PhD, George Barth Geller Professor, will be stepping down from his role as chair of the Department of Neurobiology effective November 30, 2025. Over the past couple of years, Dr. Lisberger conveyed his desire to step down at this time, and I am pleased that we have been able to create a strong succession plan.

Since joining Duke in 2011, Dr. Lisberger has led the Department of Neurobiology with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, the department has been rebuilt into an interdisciplinary community. He has recruited and mentored a cohort of junior faculty who have gone on to achieve remarkable success, and he has fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation that continues to shape the future of neuroscience at Duke.

Dr. Lisberger’s contributions extend well beyond departmental boundaries. He played a central role in guiding the Neuroscience pillar of the Translating Duke Health initiative, and he was instrumental in initiating the process that led to the restoration of Duke’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program. His efforts in philanthropy have significantly strengthened the department and the broader research enterprise, and his steady leadership through challenging times has been a source of stability and inspiration. In recognition of his scientific achievements, Dr. Lisberger was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2022.

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Lisberger’s leadership and service, and we look forward to his continued contributions as a member of our faculty, including devoting considerable effort to work supported by the Raynor Cerebellum Project.

To ensure continuity during this transition, Staci Bilbo, PhD, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Neurobiology beginning December 1, 2025. Dr. Bilbo is a distinguished neuroscientist whose primary appointment is in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. We are grateful for her willingness to step into this role and support the department during this period of transition.

A national search for the next chair of Neurobiology will be launched soon. Raphael Valdivia, PhD, Nanaline H. Duke Distinguished Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and chair of the Department of Integrative Immunobiology, will serve as chair of the search committee.

Please join me in expressing our deepest appreciation to Dr. Lisberger for his extraordinary leadership and in welcoming Dr. Bilbo to her interim role.