John Kirwan, PhD, serves as Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical Research Center and holds the George A Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition, bringing over 30 years of distinguished expertise in obesity, diabetes, and nutrition research.

An internationally renowned scientist, Dr. Kirwan has advanced the understanding of the mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, making groundbreaking discoveries including evidence that type 2 diabetes can often be reversed through surgical modification of the intestines and stomach. His extensive research contributions span lifestyle interventions, bariatric surgery outcomes, and translational science—including leadership of the landmark ARMMS-T2D trial comparing different treatment modalities—positioning him as the ideal leader for Pennington Biomedical when he assumed the role in January 2018. Dr. Kirwan has emerged as a pivotal figure in building clinical and translational research capacity across Louisiana while adapting his research to address timely public health concerns, from metabolic diseases to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on vulnerable populations.

As a visionary, forward-thinking, and creative leader, Dr. Kirwan has transformed Pennington Biomedical into a cutting-edge hub for innovative research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and pioneering new approaches to metabolic health. His strategic vision has positioned the institution at the forefront of biomedical research, attracting top talent and setting new standards for diabetes, obesity, nutrition, and exercise science research.

Under Dr. Kirwan's dynamic leadership, Pennington Biomedical has maintained its position as a world-class biomedical research institute. Continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1995, he has secured more than $100 million in research and program funding from the NIH, state government, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers. His prolific scientific contributions include over 400 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Diabetes, and Diabetes Care.

Prior to joining Pennington Biomedical, Dr. Kirwan directed the Metabolic Translational Research Center at Cleveland Clinic, where he also served as Professor of Molecular Medicine. He held faculty appointments at Case Western Reserve University as Professor of Physiology and Nutrition, further establishing his reputation in metabolic research.

Dr. Kirwan's academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions: clinical physiology training at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; a PhD in human bioenergetics from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; a master's degree in exercise biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and a bachelor's degree (Hons) from the University of Limerick, Ireland.

His multidisciplinary background, combined with his innovative leadership approach and proven track record in translating research into clinical applications, continues to drive innovation and inspire collaborative breakthroughs in the fight against obesity and diabetes at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.