Prof. Juan de Pablo has been appointed Vice President for National Laboratories, Science Strategy, Innovation and Global Initiatives at the University of Chicago, effective immediately.
In his new role, de Pablo—currently the Vice President for National Laboratories, the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering and senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory—will help drive and support the University’s science, technology and innovation efforts, along with their connection to policy and industry. In close consultation with President Robert J. Zimmer, and in close collaboration with Provost Ka Yee C. Lee, deans and faculty, he will help shape emerging strategic scientific and technological initiatives. He also will provide oversight of entrepreneurship and innovation activities at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in close partnership with Madhav Rajan, the dean of Chicago Booth.
De Pablo also will work to build global academic partnerships, extend the reach of the University’s research collaborations with international partners, and strengthen the University’s connection to foreign institutional partners, policymakers and civic leaders through new and existing programs, as well as the University’s international centers.
“I look forward to Juan’s leadership in advancing science, engineering, technology and innovation initiatives, as well as furthering our important activities and relationships globally,” Zimmer wrote in announcing de Pablo’s appointment.
De Pablo will continue overseeing the University’s partnerships with Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, which advance science and technology in support of the nation’s interest. Recently, the labs were at the center of two major Department of Energy announcements in quantum information science and technology: The unveiling of a blueprint to develop a national quantum internet, and their selection as national quantum science information centers, which includes $115 million in federal funding for each laboratory.
Read more at UChicago News.
Photo by Jean Lachat