A highly regarded member of the UO’s science community with a track record of outstanding research and innovation has been named senior associate vice president at the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.
Hutchison previously served as Director of the UO’s Materials Science Institute and as associate vice president for research and innovation, where he led strategic initiatives and oversaw research core facilities such as the Center for Advanced Materials Characterization in Oregon.
In his new role, Hutchison oversees all research and academic matters at the Knight Campus. He reports to Robert Guldberg, vice president and Robert and Leona DeArmond Executive Director of the Knight Campus.
“Jim has been a highly productive and funded researcher and committed teacher, as well as an individual with extensive leadership experiences at the UO,” Guldberg said. “I have the utmost confidence in his ability to take the Knight Campus to new levels.”
Hutchison is responsible for creation and implementation of an overall Knight Campus training and professional development plan and has a leading role in the development of academic programs.
Hutchison also leads degree-granting graduate programs, including the Knight Campus Internship Program. He also serves as a liaison with Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University as the institutions move forward with coordinated and joint academic programming.
Hutchison is collaborating with colleagues to develop a suite of professional development training for students and faculty members in science communication, entrepreneurialism and innovation, and career preparedness.
“I’m excited to serve the University of Oregon in this new role,” Hutchison said. “The Knight Campus presents a tremendous opportunity for the UO to enhance its impact in the state, and beyond, through applied research discoveries and the professional development of outstanding graduates and researchers. I’m also excited to build strong partnerships across the UO and with external partners to enhance and accelerate research and education. ”
Hutchison is the Lokey-Harrington Chair in Chemistry and is the recipient of a 2019 Outstanding Research Award and the 2018 UO sustainability award in research and innovation. He has won numerous external awards and multiple sponsored research awards from agencies such as the Air Force Research Laboratories and the National Science Foundation.
He also is co-founder of Dune Sciences, parent company for Defunkify.