Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan
University Professor of Technology and Innovation
Foundation Chair in Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Arizona State University
Former Director, National Science Foundation
Global thought leader. Institution builder. Innovator.
Sethuraman Panchanathan is a global leader in the fields of science, engineering and education with more than three decades of experience in higher education and government.
Throughout his career, he has designed and built knowledge enterprises aimed at advancing research innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, global development and economic growth. He was appointed as the 15th director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, a $9 billion independent federal agency and the only government agency charged with advancing all fields of scientific discovery, technological innovation and STEM education. He led the NSF from 2020 to 2025
A computer scientist and engineer, Panchanathan now serves as the University Professor of Technology and Innovation at Arizona State University (ASU), where he has held a faculty appointment since 1997. He is currently foundation chair of computing and augmented intelligence. His previous roles at ASU included leading the university’s research and innovation portfolio as the executive vice president of the ASU Knowledge Enterprise and serving as the chief research and innovation officer. His work helped garner ASU's recognition as the fastest growing and most innovative research university in the United States.
Key Areas of Interest
Higher Education Transformation. AI and Machine Learning for Empowering people. Advancing Innovation Anywhere and Opportunities Everywhere.
Panch is an internationally respected leader in science, technology and higher education whose work is guided by a simple conviction: innovation must serve humanity and the public good while strengthening the nation’s long-term competitiveness. His career reflects sustained engagement in shaping the future of research, technology and opportunity.
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News
Former NSF director aims to help make science, tech more accessible in return to ASU
'We, as a nation, can outcompete by out-innovating,' says Sethuraman Panchanathan
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ASU's Panchanathan wins prestigious honor in India for scientific contributions
Arizona State University Professor Sethuraman Panchanathan, the former director of the National Science Foundation, has been awarded the Padma Shri, a prestigious civilian honor, in India.
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Show impact of research investment better, says ex-NSF director
Sethuraman Panchanathan says research funder and scientists must improve ‘storytelling’ as agency faces $5 billion cuts
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