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Press Release
PRIM&R Announces New Board Members for 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2026
BOSTON— Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) announced three new board members who will help guide the national nonprofit in building trust in scientific research and advocating for the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research.
The new board members are David C. Matesanz, JD, CIP, who serves as a senior counsel for research at Apple Inc.; Janet D. Stemwedel, PhD, who is a professor of philosophy at San José State University; and Kenia F. Viamonte, MA, who serves as the interim, assistant vice president for Research Regulation, Integrity, Security & Evaluation (2RISE) at the University of Miami.
At Apple, Matesanz works with researchers across multiple teams to safeguard the rights and protect the safety of research participants. In this role, he offers counsel on state research regulations, corporate practice of medicine, and the development of research policies. Matesanz is also a legal advisor to Apple’s internal research ethics board.
“I am excited and honored to join the Board of PRIM&R. I have been involved with the organization for many years, serving on councils and advisory groups,” Matesanz said. “Its mission as the leader in promoting research ethics is particularly important to me. I am eager to help PRIM&R extend its impact and navigate changing landscapes.”
Stemwedel’s research and teaching at San José State University focus on the philosophy of science, ethics in scientific practice, and how scientists and non-scientists can better share a world. She earned PhDs in chemistry and philosophy from Stanford University, and, in 2017, was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for “distinguished contributions to the philosophy of science and ethics, and for exceptional efforts to promote the public understanding of science and scientists in culture.”
“I'm excited to join the PRIM&R Board of Directors at a moment in history when it feels urgent for the research community, and everyone else, to reflect together on the values that guide us,” Stemwedel said.
At the University of Miami, Viamonte oversees the review of human subjects and animal research studies, as well as a range of compliance and training initiatives. “PRIM&R afforded me my very first human research in-person training and my first networking opportunities with other colleagues across the country. It was awesome to connect with other folks that could really understand and would eventually be a great sounding board to work through issues as these came up. It has been a constant in my professional life for over 20 years,” Viamonte said. “I value its mission at my core and look forward to continue to support its efforts and increase its reach.”
“PRIM&R is honored to welcome a truly remarkable group of individuals to our Board of Directors,” said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy R. Tillman, EdD, CIP. “This is a pivotal time for the research community, and our Board’s diverse expertise will be invaluable as we continue to work together to advance ethical standards and strengthen public trust in science and medicine.”
Each of the new board members will begin a three-year term on the PRIM&R Board of Directors, beginning this month.
January 30, 2026
BOSTON— Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) announced three new board members who will help guide the national nonprofit in building trust in scientific research and advocating for the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research.
The new board members are David C. Matesanz, JD, CIP, who serves as a senior counsel for research at Apple Inc.; Janet D. Stemwedel, PhD, who is a professor of philosophy at San José State University; and Kenia F. Viamonte, MA, who serves as the interim, assistant vice president for Research Regulation, Integrity, Security & Evaluation (2RISE) at the University of Miami.
At Apple, Matesanz works with researchers across multiple teams to safeguard the rights and protect the safety of research participants. In this role, he offers counsel on state research regulations, corporate practice of medicine, and the development of research policies. Matesanz is also a legal advisor to Apple’s internal research ethics board.
“I am excited and honored to join the Board of PRIM&R. I have been involved with the organization for many years, serving on councils and advisory groups,” Matesanz said. “Its mission as the leader in promoting research ethics is particularly important to me. I am eager to help PRIM&R extend its impact and navigate changing landscapes.”
Stemwedel’s research and teaching at San José State University focus on the philosophy of science, ethics in scientific practice, and how scientists and non-scientists can better share a world. She earned PhDs in chemistry and philosophy from Stanford University, and, in 2017, was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for “distinguished contributions to the philosophy of science and ethics, and for exceptional efforts to promote the public understanding of science and scientists in culture.”
“I'm excited to join the PRIM&R Board of Directors at a moment in history when it feels urgent for the research community, and everyone else, to reflect together on the values that guide us,” Stemwedel said.
At the University of Miami, Viamonte oversees the review of human subjects and animal research studies, as well as a range of compliance and training initiatives. “PRIM&R afforded me my very first human research in-person training and my first networking opportunities with other colleagues across the country. It was awesome to connect with other folks that could really understand and would eventually be a great sounding board to work through issues as these came up. It has been a constant in my professional life for over 20 years,” Viamonte said. “I value its mission at my core and look forward to continue to support its efforts and increase its reach.”
“PRIM&R is honored to welcome a truly remarkable group of individuals to our Board of Directors,” said PRIM&R Executive Director Ivy R. Tillman, EdD, CIP. “This is a pivotal time for the research community, and our Board’s diverse expertise will be invaluable as we continue to work together to advance ethical standards and strengthen public trust in science and medicine.”
Each of the new board members will begin a three-year term on the PRIM&R Board of Directors, beginning this month.
About PRIM&R
Since 1974, PRIM&R has advanced the highest ethical standards in the conduct of research. We accomplish this mission through education, membership services, professional certification, public policy initiatives, and community building. PRIM&R is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Find out more at www.primr.org
Media Contact:
Daniel McLean
Public Engagement Manager
Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R)
Direct: 617-303-1877
dmclean@primr.org
www.primr.org