Dear UT Faculty and Staff,

For more than a century, our University’s sustained excellence in research has produced unmatched innovation and life-changing benefit to people across Texas and around the world. From AI, to energy, to health care and much more, The University of Texas at Austin remains committed to investing in the key opportunities that will drive our research mission during the years ahead.

Guided by this commitment, I write to share an important update regarding the leadership structure of our research enterprise. Effective Aug. 1, the position of Vice President for Research will be elevated to report directly to the President. This change underscores the centrality of research to the University’s mission and its importance as we refine our funding and budget strategy moving forward.

The Vice President for Research will be a key member of the President’s Cabinet, focused on:

  • Growing our research portfolio and sponsored funding.
  • Advocating for UT’s research priorities at the local, state and federal levels, particularly in Washington, D.C.
  • Cultivating a venture-oriented mindset to identify and invest in strategic opportunities with impactful, tangible outcomes.
  • Collaborating closely with Discovery to Impact on our research commercialization strategies.

I am excited to announce that, effective Aug. 1, Fernanda Leite will serve as Interim Vice President for Research until a permanent VPR is named. As Associate Dean for Research in the Cockrell School of Engineering, Dr. Leite brings a distinguished record of strategic decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration to this role. Her deep understanding of the research enterprise and the STEM fields that drive much of our sponsored funding will be critical during the months ahead.

In addition, I want to recognize our outgoing VPR, Dan Jaffe, who has served in the role for the past decade. After announcing his retirement earlier this year, Dan agreed to remain for a period of overlap with Fernanda to help her get up to speed as quickly as possible. Please join me in thanking Dan for his dedicated leadership and service to our University.

This is a pivotal moment for all research universities. At UT, we are well positioned to move forward with renewed intentionality — leading with vision, agility and excellence. I am confident that, together, we will shape a research enterprise that delivers global impact.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission.

Sincerely,

Jim Davis
Interim President