A leader with extensive experience driving discovery and innovation within higher education and industry will oversee research for Indiana University. Russell J. Mumper will assume the role of vice president for research, effective July 1.
Russell Mumper. Photo courtesy of Russell Mumper In the role, Mumper will oversee research development, administration and compliance for the university's expansive research enterprise, with additional oversight for IU's innovation and commercialization, foundation relations, and business partnerships efforts.
"Russ brings broad-based knowledge and visionary leadership to our efforts to grow and sustain impactful research across IU," IU President Pamela Whitten said. "The pursuit of transformative research and creative activity is central to our vision for IU as part of our IU 2030 strategic plan. Russ' track record of leadership will be critical to advancing our aggressive university-wide research and innovation goals and supporting our faculty as they expand IU's research portfolio."
Currently serving as vice president for research and economic development at The University of Alabama, one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the nation, Mumper increased total sponsored awards to the university by more than 113 percent, growing research and development partnerships with industry by more than 500 percent over the past four years. He previously served as vice provost at the University of Georgia, where he championed the institution's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research with the Department of Homeland Security.
Mumper additionally held several leadership roles at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he founded the Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, following various roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He has also co-founded five startup companies.
"I am thrilled to join Indiana University," Mumper said. "My engagement with the IU community during the entire search process confirmed my view of IU as a welcoming community with incredible aspiration and potential to expand its state, national and international impact. The vision for the IU 2030 strategic plan is impressive and comprehensive, and its goals for research and creative activity are ambitious and bold. I look forward to working with the entire IU community and leaders on each campus to further strengthen IU's research ecosystem."
Having published more than 300 scientific articles and abstracts, with 30 awarded U.S. or international patents, Mumper earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry and his doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Kentucky. Mumper is the recipient of several lifetime awards, including recognition as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He currently sits on several local, state, and national boards and commissions promoting research, innovation, and economic development.
Mumper succeeds Fred Cate, who earlier announced his plan to transition from the role and will serve on the faculty of the Maurer School of Law.
