Peter Scarpati – The Wistar Institute

When The Wistar Institute was founded in 1892, it became the nation’s first independent nonprofit institution devoted exclusively to biomedical research and training. Over more than a century, its scientists have advanced the understanding of cancer, immunology, and infectious diseases, earning Wistar recognition as one of the most respected research institutions in the world. Since 1972, it has held National Cancer Institute–designated Cancer Center status, serving as a hub for early-stage discoveries and scientific collaboration.

Today, under the leadership of Vice President of Operations Peter Scarpati, Wistar is writing the next chapter in that storied history. The Institute is undergoing a period of ambitious expansion guided by a five-year strategic plan designed to grow its footprint by 30,000 square feet by 2026. For Scarpati, who joined Wistar in 2017 and became vice president in 2023, the growth reflects not only the Institute’s scientific momentum but also the strength of its operational foundation.

“In the past two years, we’ve done things here that have never been done,” Scarpati says. “We’ve expanded beyond our traditional campus for the first time, and that’s incredibly rewarding for all of us.”

This expansion—unfolding across multiple new facilities and research centers—marks one of the most transformative periods in Wistar’s 133-year history.

Historic expansion and new centers

Having long maximized its physical footprint on the University City District campus, surrounded by the University of Pennsylvania and Wistar, the institution faced a challenge familiar to many urban research institutions: growth limited by geography. Building upward was costly and complex, but relocation risked losing the powerful proximity to academic partners. Scarpati and his team spent months exploring options before identifying an opportunity that would both preserve Wistar’s connections and advance its mission.

The result was a bold step outward. Earlier this year, Wistar signed a 10-year lease for a 25,000-square-foot space just four blocks north of its main campus—marking the first time in its history that the Institute expanded offsite. Half laboratory and half office, the space now houses the newly established HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center. Officially opened on June 2, the Center is dedicated to groundbreaking research focused on finding a cure for HIV and combating viral diseases.

“When we first secured the space, we knew we wanted to expand but weren’t sure what form it would take,” Scarpati explains. “As we looked at our strengths and the areas of greatest need, it became clear that a dedicated center for HIV and viral disease research would have a powerful impact.”

Already, the Center is home to four independent researchers, with two more joining in 2026. The design allows flexibility for future growth, with expansion potential on adjacent floors as Wistar continues to add scientists and capabilities.

Meanwhile, back on the main campus, another transformation was underway. In September, Scarpati and his team unveiled the 12,000-square-foot Center for Advanced Therapeutics, created by repurposing underused administrative space. The state-of-the-art facility integrates fundamental research with drug development through collaborations with pharmaceutical partners, bridging the gap between basic discovery and real-world therapeutics.

“This center is going to revolutionize the path to new drugs and vaccines,” Scarpati says. “It’s about connecting research innovation to therapeutic applications that can address some of the world’s deadliest diseases.”

Adjacent to the new Center, Wistar also completed a 4,500-square-foot renovation to convert traditional laboratory areas into modern open-concept spaces that encourage flexibility and collaboration among researchers. The projects opened within three months of each other—an impressive feat that speaks to meticulous planning and teamwork.

Collaboration and leadership in action

Overseeing simultaneous, multimillion-dollar construction projects in an active research environment required precision and balance. Scarpati led the efforts with a hands-on, people-first approach grounded in communication and collaboration.

“We pride ourselves on bringing projects in on time and under budget,” he says. “That comes down to cultivating partnerships built on trust—with our architects, contractors, and internal teams. Open communication and collaborative problem-solving are absolutely essential.”

Those principles extend beyond construction to Scarpati’s leadership philosophy. With a department of roughly 25 to 30 employees—about 10 percent of Wistar’s total workforce—he views each team member as essential to the Institute’s success.

“I have five direct reports, and I’ve learned that everyone is different,” he says. “You have to treat people fairly, but that doesn’t mean you can talk to them all the same way. Some need direct guidance, while others respond better to a softer approach. The key is to understand what motivates each person.”

That awareness, he adds, stems from years of drawing lessons from both positive and negative leadership examples.

“You take something from every leader you’ve worked with,” Scarpati says. “You see what works and what doesn’t, and you use those experiences to shape your own approach.”

His emphasis on empathy and adaptability has fostered a culture where employees feel heard and supported. “I like to keep a finger on the pulse,” he says. “Sometimes people just need to talk. We have a lot of therapy sessions in my office, and that’s okay. It’s a safe space.”

This people-first leadership style has built loyalty. Many former employees have expressed a desire to work for him again, which Scarpati considers a strong measure of effective leadership.

“A bad leader is someone whose people leave and never want to come back,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to have the opposite experience.”

Cultivating innovation through culture

As Wistar continues to expand, Scarpati is helping drive not only physical growth but also cultural evolution. One of the most significant operational shifts under his leadership has been the move to a shared lab model—replacing traditional, individually assigned research spaces with open, flexible environments that promote collaboration and cross-disciplinary work.

The transition supports Wistar’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discovery through synergy. By encouraging interaction and shared problem-solving, the model aligns with the Institute’s legacy of partnership-driven research.

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” Scarpati says. “These new spaces and lab models are designed to bring people together, because the best ideas often happen when scientists from different disciplines interact.”

The impact of this approach is already visible. The new centers are fostering partnerships between Wistar researchers and pharmaceutical companies, enabling faster translation of discoveries into real-world treatments. They also provide advanced training opportunities for students and early-career scientists, strengthening Wistar’s role as an educational hub for the next generation of biomedical leaders.

Leadership, legacy, and what comes next

When Scarpati first joined Wistar as director of facilities, he never anticipated that his role would evolve into a vice presidency. The position didn’t exist until his promotion in 2023—a recognition of his leadership and influence within the organization.

“My responsibilities didn’t really change, but the title reflected the trust my colleagues and our CEO already placed in me,” he says. “I feel good knowing my opinion matters and that I have a seat at the table.”

Scarpati brings a rich background to the role. He holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Villanova University and a master’s in organizational dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania. His technical foundation and organizational insight make him uniquely suited to lead operational transformation within a research environment.

Today, as he looks toward the remainder of Wistar’s five-year strategic plan, Scarpati is focused on sustaining the momentum of expansion while ensuring that every new space enhances collaboration and accelerates scientific impact.

“In the past two years, we’ve achieved things that hadn’t been done in more than a century,” he reflects. “Seeing that progress and knowing that these facilities will help find cures, save lives, and train the next generation of scientists—it’s incredibly fulfilling.”

For Scarpati, the work goes beyond construction or facilities management. It’s about building an environment where discovery can thrive.

“I tell my team that what we do enables the science,” he says. “If we do our jobs well, researchers can focus on what matters most: making the discoveries that change the world.”