Eric Vilain, MD, PhD, Appointed Vice Dean for Clinical Research

Eric J. Vilain, MD, PhD, has been appointed vice dean for clinical research for the UC Irvine School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2025. Vilain currently serves as professor of pediatrics, associate vice chancellor for scientific affairs, director of the Institute for Clinical & Translational Science, and was previously the interim director for the master of science in biomedical and translational science (MS-BATS) program. 

In his new role, Vilain will report directly to the dean and work in close partnership with the vice dean of basic research to advance the School of Medicine’s research mission. He will play an integral role in navigating the evolving landscape of funding, emerging technologies, and strategic growth. His primary focus will be strengthening the infrastructure and support for our expanding clinical research portfolio. He will also lead governance and oversight for clinical research, guide the clinical trial enterprise, and support the development of a robust physician-scientist pipeline.

A board-certified UCI Health medical geneticist, Vilain is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in genetic and genomic medicine, with a longstanding focus on differences of sex development and rare conditions. His contributions have been rewarded by organizations, including the NIH, the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, March of Dimes, and the Society for Pediatric Research.

Vilain earned his MD from the Faculté de Médecine Necker Enfants Malades in Paris, and his PhD in genetics from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Pasteur Institute. He completed his residency in pediatric endocrinology and pediatric genetics with the Paris Hospital System and conducted graduate research on the genetics of sex determination in humans at the Pasteur Institute.

The School of Medicine would like to thank Daniela Bota, MD, PhD, for her leadership and dedication over the past eight years as vice dean for clinical research and senior associate dean for clinical research.