Former acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition Brett Seidle, who also performed the duties of the under secretary of the Navy, has been named Indiana University's chief advisor for national security research and development, effective May 11. This inaugural position will bolster IU's growing leadership in defense innovation, applied research and strategic partnerships.
Brett Seidle. Photo by U.S. NavySeidle will coalesce strategic partnerships around the IU Applied Research Center, or ARC, a university-wide initiative advancing national security through innovation, applied research and talent development with state, federal and industry partners. In this role, Seidle will strengthen IU's relationships with senior-level industry leaders, support externally funded research opportunities, and advise on emerging national security and dual-use technologies. ARC is a subsidiary of IU Inc., the university's nonprofit organization focused on expanding industry collaboration, large-scale research initiatives, entrepreneurship and business attraction.
"Indiana University is uniquely positioned to contribute to our nation's security while creating transformational opportunities for our students, our faculty and the state of Indiana," IU President Pamela Whitten said. "Brett brings extraordinary depth of experience and knowledge, including a strong understanding of the intersection between research, innovation and defense. His leadership will connect IU faculty expertise to pressing real-world needs while advancing Indiana's leadership in the security and technology economy."
"Brett's experience at the highest levels of defense research development will be an invaluable asset as we continue pursuit of ambitious IU 2030 strategic plan goals," IU Vice President for Research Russell J. Mumper said. "Understanding how to facilitate collaboration across government, industry and higher education, he is uniquely positioned to advance strategic partnerships with IU and the national security ecosystem."
In addition to his leadership within IU's research enterprise, Seidle will serve as a guest lecturer and strategic advisor for programs across the Kelley School of Business, Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and executive education initiatives.
Seidle will also serve as executive-in-residence at the O'Neill School, of which he is an alumnus. The executive-in-residence provides students with career coaching and leadership insights while collaborating with faculty to bring real-world technical and industrial perspectives into the classroom. IU also plans to leverage Seidle's extensive Washington, D.C., relationships to strengthen engagement through its new Capital Campus and related programs.
"As a proud IU alumnus, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help connect nationally renowned IU faculty experts with opportunities to advance national security," Seidle said. "There is enormous potential for Indiana University and key partners in our defense industrial ecosystem to serve and better protect our nation. I am very excited to get started."
Seidle recently retired from a 26-year career of service in the Navy, where he advanced innovation, stewardship and strategic excellence in service to the country. Earlier this year, he received the O'Neill School's highest honor, the Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award.
