LANNY LIEBESKIND, a professor of chemistry at Emory College, recently assumed the newly created position of director of science strategies for the University.
     In his new role, the former senior associate dean for research is charged with aligning scientific priorities across the different schools and institutes at Emory and with improving the institution’s national research standing.
     Among his initial goals, Liebeskind says, will be to recruit highly competitive faculty in key areas, improve the national rankings of science departments, create greater opportunities for interdisciplinary research, and increase understanding, interaction, and cooperation between the health sciences and other arts and sciences at Emory.
     “This is an exciting time at Emory and one in which science and technology will play a central role in advancing our mission,” he says.
     The new position reports directly to WHSC CEO Michael M.E. Johns, University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Earl Lewis, and Michael Mandl, Emory’s executive vice president for finance and administration.
     The change in administrative structure comes at a time when Emory is focusing on science and technology as a key pillar of its strategic plan. Three of the plan’s main initiatives are in science and technology, areas where Emory believes it can become a national and international leader. These are neuroscience, human nature, and society; predictive health and society; and computational and life sciences.
     The University recently launched a number of new initiatives in these areas that will feature unprecedented interdisciplinary cooperation. For example, the planned Comprehensive Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Research Center will integrate translational research, clinical care, and education and draw not only on the expertise of faculty in medicine and public health and at Yerkes National Primate Research Center but also will involve faculty from law, business, and the arts.
     “Dr. Liebeskind will serve as a catalyst for integrating the tremendous scientific resources and intellectual capacity available throughout the University,” says Johns. “By focusing our priorities and coordinating our goals, we can expect to accomplish a great deal more than if our efforts were fragmented.”