Professor John Kopchick

Professor John Kopchick, Department of Biomedical Sciences at Ohio University, has been appointed honorary doctor at Aarhus University. John Kopchick is one of the world's leading experts on growth hormone and associated growth factors, and he has worked closely with researchers from Aarhus University. So far, this collaboration has resulted in nine joint publications and three patents as well as the exchange of researchers between laboratories. 

Back in 1989, John Kopchick was the first scientist to develop and describe a specific growth hormone-receptor antagonist which is now a licensed medication for treating the rare illness acromegaly (giantism). Since then, his research has developed further and is now focused on growth hormone in relation to ageing.

John Kopchick has published 292 peer-reviewed articles, for example in internationally recognised journals such as PNAS and the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Furthermore, he has an h-index of 55 and holds 35 patents. In 2012, he was appointed distinguished professor at Ohio University, and he is also former president of the Growth Hormone Research Society, an international body with over 400 members from more than 30 countries, including clinical practitioners, researchers, lecturers and students. The society was originally established by researchers from Aarhus University.

John Kopchick received his MSc from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and did his PhD at the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Houston.  In the 2004-2012 period, he visited Denmark in connection with 14 postgraduate courses organised in cooperation with the Faculty of Health at Aarhus University. 

CURRICULUM VITAE

Education

1980:                     PhD, virology-biomedical sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston.

1975:                     MSc, biology-chemistry, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

1972:                     BSc, biology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Positions

1987-:                    Goll Ohio Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Irvine Hall, Athens

1987-:                    Director of the Growth, Diabetes and Obesity Section, Edison Biotechnology Institute, Konneker Research Laboratories, Ohio University       

1985-1986:             Group Leader; Molecular Biology, Department of Animal Drug Discovery, Merck Institute of Therapeutic Research, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories

1984-1985:             Research Fellow, Department of Biochemical Genetics, Merck Institute of Therapeutic Research, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories

1982-1984:             Senior Research Biochemist, Department of Biochemical Genetics, Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories

1980-1982:             Postdoctoral Fellow, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology

1976-1980:             Medical Technologist (Part-Time), Bellaire General Hospital, Houston

1975-1980:             Pre-doctoral Fellow, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas

1972-1975:             Teaching Assistant in Microbiology, Genetics and General Biology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Prizes and honorary awards

2013:                      Nicholas T. Zervas Lectureship in Pituitary and Neuroendocrine Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

2013:                      Elected to the National Academy of Inventors Chartered Fellows

2012:                      Ohio University Distinguished Professorship

2012:                      Elected President of the Growth Hormone Research Society, Munich, Germany

2012:                      Ohio Patent Impact Award

2011:                      British Endocrine Society Transatlantic Medal, Birmingham, England

2010:                      Philips Medal, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University

2008:                      Commencement Address, Graduation Ceremony, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

2008:                      Honorary Doctor of Science Degree, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

2007:                      Arthur Thomson Visiting Professor Award, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UK

2007:                      New York College of Osteopathic Medicine's Riland Award.  The Riland medal is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to medical science and education, health policy and public policy

2007:                      AMVETS Silver Helmet Award.  Highest award given by the AMVETS for service to the USA

2007:                      Elected to Growth Hormone Society Research Council

2006:                      Distinguished Alumnus Award, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas

2002:                      Distinguished Alumnus Award 2002, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

1987-:                    The Milton and Lawrence H. Goll Eminent Scholar Endowed Professorship in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Ohio University

1987:                      Distinguished Alumnus Award, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

1980-1982:             American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology

1976-1980:             Roselie B. Hite Pre-doctoral Fellowship, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas

1972-1975:             Teaching Assistantship, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

1968-1971:             J.M. Uhler Scholarship