It is with a sense of honor and appreciation that I introduce myself as the new President of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. I am deeply grateful to the RCSA Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community. For over a century, RCSA has stood at the forefront of scientific philanthropy — supporting pioneering research in the physical sciences and adjacent fields and fostering generations of scientific leaders.
Since its founding, RCSA has supported more than 18,000 scientists, including 42 Nobel laureates and countless others whose work has profoundly shaped their fields. These successes are a testament to the visionary leadership of our RCSA staff and Board, the strength of our partnerships with academia and across the science philanthropy ecosystem, and, above all, your engagement in our programs.
As I step into this role, I would like to share a few of my top priorities as President:
- Champion Early-Career Researchers in Science and Pedagogy: We will continue to invest in the next generation of scientists, supporting their research and their development as educators and mentors — recognizing that excellence in teaching is foundational to the advancement of science.
- Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration: RCSA will deepen its support for research that transcends disciplinary boundaries — where some of the most innovative and impactful science emerges.
- Strengthen Resilience in U.S. Science: We will respond to current and emerging challenges with agility, offering support mechanisms that help researchers weather instability while positioning them for future success.
- Foster Excellence: Advancing excellence in science by welcoming a broad array of scientists from across many disciplines into our Scialog, Cottrell Scholars, and RCSA Fellows programs to ensure that talented individuals have the opportunity to make important contributions that advance their fields and careers.
- Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with other science funders, institutions, and policy leaders will be essential to amplifying our impact and driving systemic change.
We find ourselves in a time of significant disruption for U.S. science. I know many of you are experiencing or anticipating disruptions to your research and careers. Please know that RCSA remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting science and education—through this crisis and beyond. In the months ahead, working closely with our staff and Board, we will be launching new initiatives to help navigate these turbulent times and prepare our research communities for continued excellence.
As a condensed matter physicist, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various leadership roles, including as Director of Argonne National Laboratory, Provost of the University of Chicago, and President of the Carnegie Institution for Science. These experiences — especially during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic — have shown me the resilience of the scientific enterprise in the face of adversity. Though the current challenges may feel different, I am confident that, together, we will once again emerge stronger.
I want to express my deep appreciation for Dan Linzer, who has led RCSA with vision and thoughtfulness over the past eight years — broadening the impact of our programs and elevating our role in the national science philanthropy conversation, including through the Science Philanthropy Alliance. Please join me in thanking Dan for his contributions and the strong foundation he leaves behind.
In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to connecting with many of you — listening, learning, and exploring how we can work together to support a vibrant, welcoming, and enduring scientific community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to any member of the RCSA team with your ideas, concerns, or simply to introduce yourself.