Rory Cooper, founding director of Pitt’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, has been appointed the University’s inaugural assistant vice chancellor for Research for STEM-health sciences collaborations.

In this role, which begins Jan. 1, 2021, Cooper will provide intellectual leadership to help connect the STEM and health science areas and draw on Pitt’s strengths in these fields. He will also participate in the University Research Council and work to develop institutional-level funding to support research.

“We created this post because Pitt offers an incredible diversity of modes of research and creative endeavors, and corresponding ranges of research and creative products,” Rob A. Rutenbar, senior vice chancellor for Research, in an article in Pittwire. “Our office seeks to promote and engage with faculty working across all of our knowledge domains. Creating this position helps us to expand opportunities for research at the intersections of STEM and the health sciences.”

Rutenbar added that Cooper is “ideally suited” for this new role.

“His track record in partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations in these areas is exemplary,” he said.

Read more about Cooper and the new position in Pittwire.