August 18, 2025
In a significant career shift, the former president of a prominent university has accepted a new position at a leading research institute, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
Santa Ono has been appointed as the global president of a privately funded research organization with an ambitious vision for scientific advancement.
The Ellison Institute of Technology, located in Oxford, England, announced on Monday that Ono will spearhead efforts to enhance and broaden its scientific programs. This appointment follows his recent departure from the University of Michigan, where he sought the presidency at another major university but faced challenges due to his previous advocacy for diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Ono was poised to receive a lucrative contract worth nearly $3 million annually at the University of Florida. However, his appointment was ultimately rejected by the state’s Board of Governors, which garnered widespread media attention.
Now, with a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at the Universities of Cincinnati and British Columbia, Ono is set to re-enter the global higher education landscape through his new position at the Ellison Institute of Technology. Although EIT is not a traditional educational institution, it collaborates closely with the University of Oxford on various research projects and scholarship initiatives.
Additionally, the Ellison Institute has a presence in Los Angeles, further extending its reach and influence.
“I am excited to work alongside the leadership teams at EIT around the world to realize Larry Ellison’s visionary goals,” Ono expressed in a recent statement. “This innovative approach represents a groundbreaking investment in both fundamental and applied research, and I am eager to contribute to solutions for some of humanity’s most urgent challenges.”
With a background in immunology, Ono has held numerous research-oriented positions throughout his career. The Ellison Institute highlighted his impressive track record in biomedical research and immunology in their announcement. He will report directly to Ellison and will focus on critical issues such as health, climate change, food sustainability, and the ethical development of artificial intelligence.
Coincidentally, the announcement of Ono’s new role coincided with updates from the University of Florida Board of Trustees, which revealed ongoing efforts to appoint an interim president as the current interim leader approaches the end of his contract.
The current interim president, who previously held the top position at UF, retired in 2023 after the university appointed a new president who later resigned amid controversy. The search for a suitable interim successor has been slow, with the Board of Trustees emphasizing the importance of a careful selection process.
During a recent virtual meeting, the chair of the Board of Trustees reassured members that the search for an interim leader is a priority, and they are committed to finding the best candidate for the institution.
As the search continues, the interim president acknowledged the board’s diligence in seeking a qualified successor, emphasizing the need for a leader who aligns with the university’s values and goals.
In summary, Santa Ono’s new role at the Ellison Institute of Technology represents a significant opportunity for him to influence global research initiatives, while the University of Florida navigates its own leadership transition.