admin To lead the prestigious National Science Foundation, US President Donald Trump has picked Indian-American computer scientist Sethuraman Panchanathan.
US government agency, The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports all the non-medical part of science and engineering field’s fundamental research and education. Its medical corresponding is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
On Thursday, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Kelvin Droegemeier stated Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan brings to this position a wealth of experience in research, innovation, academic administration, and policy as exemplified by his long and distinguished career.
France Cordova when her six-year term as the NSF Director ends in 2020 followed by Panchanathan, 58. NSF Director is a Senate-confirmed position.
Panchanathan is the Founding Director of the Centre for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing at the ASU and is currently the Executive Vice President and the Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the Arizona State University (ASU).
In 2014 Panchanathan has been appointed to the National Science Board (NSB) and he has served as the Chair of the Committee on Strategy for the NSB. He also worked as a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Droegemeie further added, “Dr Panchanathan brings numerous achievements and well-earned recognition including from his role as a member of the National Science Board. As the Trump administration continues its undeterred focus on ensuring American global leadership in science and technology, Dr Panchanathan’s commitment, creativity and deep insights will be instrumental in leading the National Science Foundation on its continued path of exploration and discovery.”
Panchanathan was the Chair of the Council on Research of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and Co-Chair of the Extreme Innovation Taskforce of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils. He is also the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
In 2018, Panchanathan was appointed as Senior Advisor for Science and Technology by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey.
Panchanathan said he in a statement, he was”humbled and honoured” to be chosen as the NSF Director.
From the University of Madras in 1981 Panchanathan earned his bachelor’s degree in Physics and in 1984 from the Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Electronics and Communication Engineering.
And then later in 1986, he has earned his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and in 1989 PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Canada-based University of Ottawa. Chief Technology Officer of the United States Michael Kratsios said, “Dr Panchanathan’s expertise and dedication will ensure that the NSF continues to be a driving force for US discovery, innovation, and technological growth. He will be a key partner in advancing research and development in the technologies that will benefit all Americans, from artificial intelligence to quantum information science and high performance computing.”
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