Dean Hudson Santos is the inaugural chair of the Science Advisory Council (AAN Science) for the American Academy of Nursing, a two-year appointment that began June 1, 2026. The purpose of AAN Science is to provide thought leadership related to such matters as federal science policy, funding trends, science and research workforce capacity, and ethical considerations in a rapidly evolving health care system.
The invitation came from Academy CEO Suzanne Miyamoto, on behalf of Academy President Debra Barksdale and the Academy Board of Directors.
“I am truly grateful for the chance to contribute to this important initiative, facilitate meaningful discussions, and build consensus on critical issues with my dedicated peers around the nation,” said Dean Santos. “Translating knowledge into actionable recommendations supported by evidence-based protocols is what drives me as a nurse scientist and leader, and I am eager to share my experience in this new role with the Academy.”
As council chair from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028, Dean Santos will facilitate the council’s work in alignment with the Academy’s goals of making a greater impact in science policy; progressing nurse scientists’ leadership; developing programming to provide timely, practical expertise; and further engaging the Academy as a strategic partner with the broader science and patient advocacy community.
“I know Dr. Santos is the right Academy Fellow to help usher in a new era of thought leadership and policy innovation,” said Dr. Barksdale. “I am happy he will lead this vital work, and I look forward to our close collaboration in this transformational step for the Academy.
“AAN Science is the next evolution of the Academy’s science pillar outlined in its mission,” added Dr. Miyamoto. “Dr. Santos’ dynamic expertise and leadership on this council will help realize a bold new approach to the rapidly evolving research climate in service of our vision of healthy lives for all people.”
Dean Santos is a tenured professor and the Dolores J. Chambreau, RN Endowed Chair in Nursing at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, and Director of the School’s PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center for Nursing Human Resources Development and Patient Safety. An internationally recognized nurse scientist, Dean Santos has secured more than $50 million as PI or Co-PI in federal support. His research examines how psychosocial adversity and biological pathways interact across the life course to improve perinatal and child health, with findings that inform early interventions and policy.
Santos is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida, and the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research. His experience and accomplishments have led him to hold a variety of leadership positions, including president of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics and co-chair/chair-elect of the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science National Advisory Council. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Sigma Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.
Dean Santos presided over AAN Science’s first meeting in Washington, D.C. on June 9, 2026. The council will continue to meet each quarter to discuss key research enterprise areas and offer recommendations to the Academy’s board for consideration. For more information, visit aannet.org/news.
