W. John Kao, professor, in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Division has been appointed a Vilas Distinguished Service Professor. This five-year professorship, effective January 1, 2012, recognizes distinguished scholarship and excellence in teaching and service.

Kao’s research interests revolve around the discovery and development of biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery aimed particularly at improving wound healing. As an interdisciplinary scientist, in addition to his main appointment in the School of Pharmacy, Kao holds a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering, and an affiliate appointment in Surgery. His engagement in multidisciplinary research and education spans from basic mechanistic biology to engineering and nanotechnology to clinical applications. Among other accomplishments, John is a co-founder of a WARF-licensed biotechnology company, MatriLab, which won the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest in 2006.

The Vilas appointment is among the University’s most prestigious professorships for scholarly achievement and the advancement of learning. The professorship title is carried throughout the recipients tenure at UW-Madison. Candidates selected have proven research ability, possess unusual qualifications and promise, and have contributed significantly to the research mission of the University. The individual is widely recognized both nationally and internationally for the quality of research. The five-year appointment provides a $75,000 allocation for the recipient.