Appointment of Maria Zuber as Vice President for Research Announced
Maria T. Zuber, a highly accomplished planetary scientist and influential leader in the scientific community, has been named the next vice president for research at MIT, effective from July 1, 2023. Zuber, who has been a member of the MIT faculty since 1995, has made significant contributions to the field of planetary geophysics and Earth and planetary sciences. Her work has been instrumental in understanding planetary bodies, and she has been recognised with prestigious awards such as the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal [5].
In addition to her scientific achievements, Zuber has also held leadership roles in national science policy. She served as one of the co-chairs of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), demonstrating her influential advisory role in shaping the future of U.S. science policy [4].
Claude R. Canizares, a distinguished scientist in his own right, will be stepping down from his position as vice president for research and associate provost at MIT on June 30, 2023. However, he will continue to oversee Lincoln Laboratory, a research laboratory operated by MIT for the U.S. Department of Defense. Canizares has also been instrumental in establishing and operating several major initiatives at MIT, including the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology Centre (SMART), MITEI, and the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.
In a new role effective from July 1, 2023, Canizares will oversee MIT's portfolio of international engagements, including partnerships in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Russia, and other locations. This new vice presidential post underscores Canizares' continued commitment to fostering international collaborations and strengthening MIT's global presence.
Throughout his career, Canizares has been recognised for his contributions to science. He has been a recipient of the National Medal of Science, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on scientists, and a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering since 1996 and 2001, respectively [3].
Both Zuber and Canizares have played pivotal roles in their respective fields and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their roles at MIT. Their new appointments are expected to further strengthen MIT's position as a global leader in science, technology, and research.
References: 1. MIT News - Maria T. Zuber Named Next Vice President for Research at MIT 2. MIT News - Claude R. Canizares to Oversee MIT's International Engagements 3. National Science and Technology Medals Foundation - Claude R. Canizares 4. The White House - President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology 5. NASA - Maria T. Zuber
- As a recognized leader in both engineering and science, Maria T. Zuber will continue her influential work at MIT, taking on the role of vice president for research, effective from July 1, 2023.
- Zuber's commitment extends beyond her planetary research, with a significant influence on national science policy, serving as one of the co-chairs of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
- In this new capacity, Zuber will join the ranks of the faculty, whose collective work drives advancements in technology on the MIT campus.
- Meanwhile, Claude R. Canizares, another esteemed science and engineering faculty member, is stepping down from his position as vice president for research and associate provost.
- In a transitional move, Canizares will oversee MIT's portfolio of international engagements, strengthening the institution's ties with partners in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Russia, and other global locations.
- This new role emphasizes Canizares' dedication to fostering international collaborations, a commitment that has also been evident in his efforts to operate major initiatives such as SMART, MITEI, and the David H. Koch Institute.
- His innovative work in physics and computing has been celebrated with prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Science, the highest honor for scientists in the United States.
- Furthermore, Canizares is a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, illustrating his impact on science and engineering.
- The departure of Canizares and the arrival of Zuber underline MIT's commitment to continually advancing science, technology, and research, as well as embracing education and self-development.
- With Zuber's leadership in planetary geophysics and energy and Canizares' expertise in nanotechnology, the campus is expected to see advancements in a variety of fields, from environmental science to computing.
- The institutions' research output, along with their dedication to public engagement and graduating well-rounded, capable scientists, positions MIT as a leading force shaping the future of society and the energy sector.
