Tufts University Inaugurates New President

Tufts University is set to formally inaugurate noted neuroscientist Anthony Monaco as its 13th president. Monaco served as pro-vice chancellor for planning and resources at the University of Oxford before assuming the Tufts leadership on Aug. 1.

Monano, who identified the first gene specifically involved in human speech and language, will be inaugurated as Tufts president on Friday.

He takes over from Lawrence Bacow, who announced in February he would step down after 10 years leading the Boston-area university.

Monaco is a native of Wilmington, Del., with degrees from Princeton and Harvard.

His research has focused on the genetic basis of autism, dyslexia and other disorders.

Speakers at his inauguration will include Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman. Representatives from more than 100 other academic institutions and societies will also attend.