Torrelles joined Ohio State in 2003 as a postdoctoral researcher and advanced through the faculty ranks before taking on leadership roles at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio. There, he directed Biosafety Level 3 operations, coordinated coronavirus research initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and founded the International Center for the Advancement of Research and Education (I•CARE).
He returned to Ohio State in 2025 as part of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the College of Medicine. Since then, he has helped strengthen partnerships among clinicians and researchers across the university through the Integrated Research Center for Infectious Diseases.
“IDI is already an outstanding institute with a remarkable foundation,” Torrelles said. “What excites me most is continuing to bring people together across colleges and disciplines to build collaborative teams capable of addressing complex infectious diseases challenges.”
As an Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) institute, IDI’s interdisciplinary approach remains central to its mission. By connecting expertise across medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, engineering, basic sciences and other disciplines, IDI advances research that addresses emerging infectious diseases and improves health outcomes.
“Jordi Torrelles’ appointment to lead the Infectious Diseases Institute marks an exciting new chapter for those committed to advancing impactful, interdisciplinary research,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research and leader of ERIK. “I am looking forward to IDI’s continued work under his leadership to accelerate discovery, strengthen partnerships, and translate innovation into improved health outcomes for communities across Ohio and around the world.”
