The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeScience & NatureBiologistSanta Ono
Science & Nature • Biologist

Santa Ono

Santa Jeremy Ono is a Canadian-American biologist, immunologist, and university administrator.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Santa Jeremy Ono is a Canadian-American biologist, immunologist, and university administrator known for research on gene regulation in the immune system and eye inflammation, and for leading major universities in Canada and the United States. He has served as president of the University of Cincinnati, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Michigan.

Early life and education

Santa Ono was born in 1962 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is identified as Canadian-American. He studied biological sciences at the University of Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and completed a PhD in experimental medicine at McGill University.

Research career

Ono's scientific work has centered on immunology, especially gene regulation in the immune system and eye inflammation. He has been associated with biomedical research and academic medicine across several major institutions, including Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and University College London.

Academic leadership

Ono has held senior administrative posts at major universities in North America. He served as president of the University of Cincinnati, then as president and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia, and later as president of the University of Michigan.

Recognition and affiliations

Available sources describe Ono as a fellow or member of several scholarly bodies, including the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He has also been connected with innovation and advisory roles outside academia.

Key facts

  • Santa Ono is a Canadian-American biologist and immunologist born in 1962.
  • His research has focused on gene regulation in the immune system and inflammation in the eye.
  • He earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago and a PhD from McGill University.
  • He has held academic appointments at Emory, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and University College London.
  • He served as president of the University of Cincinnati, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Michigan.
🍁
Canadian context

He has strong Canadian ties through his birth in Vancouver, his PhD from McGill University, and his leadership of the University of British Columbia, one of Canada's major research universities.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Santa Ono?
Santa Ono is a Canadian-American biologist, immunologist, and university administrator known for research and senior university leadership.
What is Santa Ono known for scientifically?
He is known for work on gene regulation in the immune system and on inflammation in the eye.
Where did Santa Ono study?
He earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago and a PhD in experimental medicine from McGill University.
Which universities has Santa Ono worked at?
Sources name Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and University College London, along with major leadership roles in Cincinnati, Vancouver, and Michigan.
Is Santa Ono Canadian?
He is described in sources as Canadian-American, and one source says he was born in Vancouver.
What kind of administrator is he?
He is a university president and higher-education administrator who has led large public research universities.

References

  1. Sounds and Sciencehttp://soundsandscience.com/index.php?id=118
    Supports: Biographical overview, nationality, research focus, and university leadership roles.
  2. University of Michigan LSA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biologyhttps://lsa.umich.edu/mcdb/people/faculty/santaono.html
    Supports: Education credentials and faculty affiliation.
  3. University of Cincinnati Magazinehttps://magazine.uc.edu/issues/0413/ono.html
    Supports: Research interests and role as University of Cincinnati president.
  4. CBC Newshttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ubc-appoints-president-santa-ono-1.3633019
    Supports: Birthplace in Vancouver, education, and appointment as president of UBC.
  5. Council on Competitivenesshttps://compete.org/santa-ono/
    Supports: Research focus, university leadership, and professional roles at U-M.