Jorge Di Paola, MD, is an internationally recognized physician-scientist, hematology researcher and academic leader. He was been appointed executive vice president and chief scientific officer for Versiti, effective October 1, 2026. He directs the globally recognized Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI), leads as a member of Versiti’s executive team, and serves as both Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Pediatrics at Medical College of Wisconsin.

Di Paola previously served as professor of pediatrics and molecular genetics and genomics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he was division chief of pediatric hematology and oncology and holder of the Elizabeth Finney McDonnell Endowed Chair in Pediatric Hematology Oncology. His research has helped advance understanding of inherited bleeding disorders, platelet biology, genomics, and blood diseases, and he has authored more than 200 scientific publications.

A longtime collaborator with Versiti investigators, Di Paola has worked alongside VBRI researchers for more than two decades, including scientific collaborations connected to the landmark NIH-funded Zimmerman Program focused on von Willebrand disease and blood disorders research. Since 2018, he has served as an adjunct investigator at the VBRI.

Di Paola’s scientific and leadership accomplishments span research, clinical medicine, mentorship, and national scientific leadership. He currently serves as deputy editor of Blood, one of the field’s leading peer-reviewed journals, and previously served as president of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. He also has held leadership roles with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, as well as on multiple National Institutes of Health programs and study sections.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Di Paola is widely recognized for building and mentoring physician-scientist training programs and expanding translational research initiatives. At Washington University School of Medicine, he helped lead significant growth in pediatric hematology-oncology research, clinical trials, and faculty recruitment.

The VBRI is internationally recognized for discoveries and advances in transfusion medicine, blood disorders, genomics, transplantation, cellular therapies, and related fields. Di Paola leads the institute’s scientific strategy and research growth efforts while helping strengthen collaborations across academic medicine, healthcare, and biomedical research.