B. Robert Franza obtained his MD from Georgetown University in 1979. From 1996 he became a Research Professor at the University of Washington, first in the Department of Molecular Biotechnology, and since 2001 the Bioengineering Department. He founded and was the Director of the Cell Systems Initiative [CSI], UW, from 2000 - 2006. CSI was instrumental in the formation and nurturing of several high-technology companies and in creating novel science education programs in the Puget Sound Region.

Bob is a quantitative systems biologist with extensive experience managing successful collaborative projects. During his 12 years at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory [1982-1994] he was the director of the Samuel J. Freeman Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology [1991-1994]. During that interval his publication record was such that he was recognized by Science Watch as the 3rd most referenced molecular biologist in the world. He was responsible for the design of a major, high-technology renovation of a basic research facility for UW that won the R&D renovated laboratory of the year award in 2001. He has contributed to several Puget Sound regional bioscience and information technology endeavors including Explore Life and the Prosperity Partnership Life Science and IT clusters.