Dr. Ricardo Rossello is the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI Health), where he leads groundbreaking research on longevity and regenerative therapies aimed at enhancing human life and well-being. A trained scientist and former Governor of Puerto Rico, Dr. Rossello has combined his passion for public service and scientific innovation to explore how advances in biotechnology can positively impact global health. His latest book, The Reformer’s Dilemma, advocates for a ‘radical middle’ in U.S. politics, stressing the importance of rationality, collaboration, and foresight in an era marked by rising extremism in the political landscape. Through both his research and writings, Dr. Rosselló is committed to pioneering solutions that address today’s societal challenges, from healthcare to governance.
Q: How did your scientific career in regenerative medicine evolve, and what brought you to focus on longevity at RMI Health?
Dr. Ricardo Rossello: I distinctly remember a class I had with my mentor at MIT, Robert Langer. In it, he introduced the idea of stem cells. ‘Imagine a resource that can generate any part of the body and that can potentially be grown indefinitely” he said. I was immediately captivated. I’ve always had an innate curiosity, but since that moment, I have been fascinated by how scientific advancements and research can serve to improve human life. I knew exactly what I wanted to work on after that day.
My academic background in biomedical engineering and molecular biology laid the foundation for my work at RMI Health. In my studies and my work today, I’ve focused on the potential for stem cell research to regenerate tissues, tackle illness, and, revolutionize our approach to aging. Our work offers real potential to tackle age-related diseases – an area that has received a big boost in support as well as funding since the World Health Organization officially classified aging as a disease. But longevity research is about more than just extending life; it’s about extending quality of life, which is why RMI Health’s mission is so important to me.
Q: What excites you most about the future of longevity research and the work you’re doing at RMI Health?
Dr. Ricardo Rossello: We are entering an era where science can fundamentally reshape how we age. The work we are doing at RMI Health is advancing therapies that could slow down and even reverse age-related decline. From cellular regeneration to optimizing immune function, these breakthroughs could change people’s lives. It’s incredibly exciting to be on the front lines of this revolution.
Q: Your new book, The Reformer’s Dilemma, calls for a ‘radical middle’ in U.S. politics. What inspired you to write it, and what do you mean by the ‘radical middle’?
Dr. Ricardo Rossello: The Reformer’s Dilemma was born out of my experience both as a politician and as a citizen observing the growing polarization in the U.S. and around the world. The ‘radical middle’ represents a shift in the linear definition that clogs a vast number of us in between the extreme left and extreme right. The basis for it is understanding that these two extremes are behaviorally the same and they are codependent. As such, how can the vast majority of us, over 80%, create a counterweight to those extremes? The proposed solution is creating a behaviorally opposite group; a movement. Where the extremes are dogmatic, unclear, uncompromising, simplistic, and driven by fear; the radical middle should create a space for rationality, compromise, embracing complexity and collaboration, clarity, and driven by foresight. It’s about rejecting the extremes on both sides of the political spectrum and working toward progress that benefits the broader population. This isn’t about compromising values but about finding common ground to move forward as a society.
Q: How does your experience as Governor of Puerto Rico influence your views on political reform and the message in your book?
Dr. Ricardo Rossello: My time as Governor taught me that reform, no matter how necessary, is never easy. You’re constantly balancing competing interests, and the louder, more extreme voices often drown out those who seek thoughtful, sustainable solutions. Puerto Rico faced immense challenges, from economic crises to natural disasters, and those experiences shaped my belief that we need leaders who are willing to engage and navigate complex issues and engage with people across the spectrum.
Q: How do you see the future of political reform in the U.S., and what role do you hope your work—both in science and politics—will play in shaping it?
Dr. Ricardo Rossello: I believe political reform will come from the ground up, through a renewed focus on civic engagement and community-driven initiatives. I also believe that foresight can combat fear to enable productive discussions and outcomes. These two are the focus of the mission of my foundation.
My hope is that the work I’m doing, whether through longevity research or my advocacy for political moderation, inspires a new generation of leaders who value innovation, collaboration, and resilience. We need people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo but who do so in a way that brings people together rather than drives them apart.
Also Read:
