Julio Frenk

Dr. Julio Frenk is a renowned public health expert, academic leader, and advocate for global health who has made significant contributions to both academia and public service. In July 2024, he was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a position he will fill on Jan. 1, 2025, where he is expected to bring his extensive experience in education and health policy to one of the world’s leading public universities. TIME magazine has recognized Dr. Frenk on their Latino Leaders 2024 list for bringing his vision of inclusivity to UCLA.

Before joining UCLA, Dr. Frenk served as the President of the University of Miami for almost 10 years, where he was the first Hispanic individual to lead the institution. His leadership there was marked by a commitment to diversity, innovation, and expanding the university's global footprint.

Prior to his tenure in academia, Dr. Frenk had a distinguished career in public health. He served as the Minister of Health of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, where he implemented comprehensive health reforms that significantly expanded access to healthcare for millions of Mexicans. His work in Mexico is particularly noted for the creation of Seguro Popular, a public health insurance program that provided coverage to millions of uninsured individuals and is considered one of the most significant health policy initiatives in Latin America. His efforts were instrumental in improving the health outcomes of a large portion of the population and are studied globally as a model for healthcare reform.

Dr. Frenk’s impact extends beyond national borders through his work with international organizations. He has held prominent positions at the World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he has been a strong advocate for global health equity and the strengthening of health systems worldwide. His academic contributions are equally notable: he has authored more than 170 academic articles, books, and book chapters, and has been a vocal proponent of integrating public health and education.

A respected educator, Dr. Frenk has a deep commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning and research. He has been a professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and has held visiting professorships at several other prestigious institutions. His academic work emphasizes the intersection of health and human development, and he is known for promoting a vision of health as a bridge to peace and social justice.