Georgia Tech names new research director

Georgia Tech announced Thursday it has a new executive vice president for research, one of the most critical roles at the institution.

Chaouki T. Abdallah, currently provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico, will direct Georgia Tech’s $824 million research program. He will move into the role in mid-August, succeeding Stephen E. Cross, who is stepping down after serving as Tech’s first executive vice president for research for the past eight years.

He has received research funding from the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, other national laboratories and various companies, Tech officials said. Abdallah is a Tech grad with master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering.

“Dr. Abdallah has a proven track record as an administrator, scholar and researcher, along with experience collaborating with industry, government and community partners,” said Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson. “As a Tech alumnus who has remained engaged with the Institute, he brings a unique perspective. We’re looking forward to working with him to enhance Georgia Tech’s basic and applied research and maximize economic impact.”

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