Dr. Adnan Hyder Joins Boston University as Dean of the School of Public Health


July 21, 2025

Dr. Adnan Hyder

Boston University just announced that Adnan Hyder, MD, MPH, PhD, has been selected as the next Dean of the Boston University School of Public Health, after a national search. Dr. Hyder has served as Professor of Global Health and Senior Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at the George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health since 2018. Throughout his time at GW, he passionately supported the growth and development of our research ecosystem and tirelessly worked to improve its capacity to make GWU a research friendly environment.

During his time here at GW, he oversaw the creation of the Research Support Team for Public Health & Law (formerly the Pod), reorganized the Office of Research Excellence, and developed the Office of PhD & MS Studies as well as the online Summer Institutes. He succeeded in funding several NIH-Fogarty funded global health training programs, the first Fogarty grants held by the GWSPH. He provided cross-cutting leadership in bioethics, across all of GW.  He provided support and oversight to the GWSPH research institutes and centers, and fostered the growth and impact of our annual research day. Across the university and within the GWSPH, he contributed to support for the development and mentorship of post docs.

“Congratulations to BU for recruiting Adnan Hyder as your new Dean! Dr. Hyder is an invaluable member of our community, and has served as a trusted leader, researcher, advocate and advisor for our students, faculty and researchers over the last six years,” said Lynn R. Goldman, the Michael and Lori Milken Dean of Milken Institute SPH. “I look forward to seeing the great impact Dr. Hyder will have as Dean at BU, knowing how effective he has been at GW. Please join me in sending him off with warm congratulations.”

For over 25 years, Dr. Hyder has worked to improve global health in low- and middle- income countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. A pioneer in his field he was among those who were first to identify the immense burden of non-communicable diseases and injuries around the world.  He has conducted empirical studies focusing on defining the epidemiological burdens, including loss of healthy life years, understanding risk factors, exploring potential interventions, estimating economic impacts, appreciating the varying socio-cultural correlates and exploring health policy development for non-communicable diseases and injuries around the world. In so doing he has applied a strong bioethical lens to his research and prevention efforts. He has participated in training thousands of health professionals around the world in building capacity to prevent non-communicable diseases and injuries, and to apply bioethical principles.

He has also co-authored over 400 scientific peer-reviewed papers and numerous world reports on road safety, child injuries, and health systems.

Dr. Hyder will start at Boston University on August 15, 2025.

The GWSPH immediately will be embarking on a process to appoint an interim dean of research and, ultimately, to search for a new Senior Associate Dean. The Dean will soon be issuing a call for nominations for the interim dean position.