Padma Raghavan , the vice provost for research and innovation and the chief research officer at Vanderbilt University, will become the institution’s inaugural executive director for science and technology strategy on 1 July.
She will report directly to chancellor Daniel Diermeier .
The university says the new role underscores its commitment to driving impact in research and innovation at the regional, national and global levels in areas including energy, defence and national security, and health tech.
Raghavan will also continue to build strategic partnerships and will represent the university on the national and global stage.
Raghavan joined Vanderbilt University in February 2016. She is also a professor of computer science and computer engineering.
Her achievements at Vanderbilt University to date have included the creation of Ancora Innovation, a life sciences commercialisation partnership with Deerfield Management. It launched with $65 million in financing in 2018.
She also helped launch Pathfinder, a partnership with the US Army, in 2021 to develop mission-critical products such as an exosuit to prevent back injuries.
Last year, she helped establish a collaboration between the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the US Air Force Research Laboratory, the College of Connected Computing and the Institute for Software Integrated Systems to develop dependable AI for security applications.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization has also generated record amounts in licensing revenue, spinouts and invention disclosures during her tenure.
Raghavan previously spent 11 years at the Pennsylvania State University, where she held several roles, including associate vice president for research and director of strategic initiatives from October 2013 to January 2016.
“Padma has overseen and dramatically expanded the university’s research portfolio, leveraging her remarkable experience and expertise to drive Vanderbilt’s vision as a catalyst and incubator of innovation.
“A brilliant strategist and collaborator, she has been central to the development of long-term partnerships that position Vanderbilt as a global hub for research and technology.
“Now more than ever, I’m thrilled for Padma to join the Office of the Chancellor, where her leadership will be instrumental in shaping our strategic direction and reinforcing Vanderbilt’s role as a leader in scientific and technological advancement.”
Daniel Diermeier
Vanderbilt University is launching an international search for a new vice provost for research and chief research officer.
Liz Zechmeister, senior associate provost for academic support and advancement, will serve as interim chief research officer.
Richard Willis , senior associate provost for research and innovation, will manage federal agency–sponsored research and development execution.
Bob Webster , senior associate provost for graduate education, will oversee the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization, industry partnerships for research and development, and the Technology Review Committee.