Boston University appoints Kenneth Lutchen to top research job

(Press-News.org) Boston University has appointed pioneering biomedical engineer and experienced higher education leader Kenneth Lutchen as its new vice president and associate provost for research. He will lead BU’s $500 million research enterprise, which spurs new knowledge and impactful advances. In the past year alone, BU researchers have launched a global AI-powered infectious diseases monitoring tool, engineered devices that could improve cancer treatment, and landed a telescope on the moon.

Lutchen has held a variety of teaching and leadership positions since joining BU; he was most recently senior advisor to the president, strategy and innovation, and cochairs the Task Force on Convergent Research and Education. For 17 years, he was a transformative dean of BU’s College of Engineering, fostering its reputation as a leader in innovative and convergent research and as an institution focused on addressing pressing societal challenges. Lutchen also spent a year as interim provost during the University’s recent presidential transition.

“Ken brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing Boston University’s research mission,” said Gloria Waters, University provost and chief academic officer, in a letter to the BU community. “At a time when the national and global research funding landscape is increasingly competitive and complex, Ken’s vision, experience, and commitment to innovation will help ensure that Boston University continues to expand its impact through discovery, scholarship, and collaboration.”

BU is one of the nation’s leading research universities—with 130 centers and institutes and more than 1,500 laboratories—and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, an organization of 71 distinguished research universities. Last year, Boston University researchers produced more than 7,600 publications and won $574.25 million in total research awards. In addition to leading BU’s research efforts, Lutchen will represent the University to local, national, and international stakeholders, including in government, industry, and foundations.

Lutchen, whose appointment was effective September 1, replaces Thomas Bifano, a BU College of Engineering professor of mechanical engineering and director of the University-wide Photonics Center. Bifano, who will continue in those positions, had held the research leadership role on an interim basis since July 2024. Waters said Bifano had led the research office with distinction, bringing “stability and momentum…during a year marked by unprecedented change.” 

An influential researcher in his own right, Lutchen has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles that have together been cited more than 10,000 times. Renowned as an expert on computational and imaging-based models of pulmonary function, much of his work has been focused on advancing lung care, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Earlier this year, Lutchen was named an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow, an honor that recognizes innovators with scientifically and socially distinguished careers.

The Brink spoke with Lutchen about his vision for research at BU, the challenging national science and funding environment, and harnessing the energy and ideas that students bring to labs. To read the interview click here. 

 

 

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