Cynthia Carnes, PhD | Vice President for Research and Innovation University of Minnesota, Vice President for Research and Innovation Following an extensive national search, the University of Minnesota has appointed Dr. Cynthia Carnes as vice president for research and innovation. Pending approval by the University Board of Regents, Dr. Carnes will begin her tenure on July 31 — assuming leadership of the University’s $1.4 billion research enterprise at a pivotal moment of continued growth and national prominence.Dr. Carnes brings more than 30 years of experience in academic medicine, research administration, and cross‑disciplinary innovation. She currently serves as senior associate vice president for research operations at The Ohio State University’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK), where she has led efforts to modernize research systems, strengthen support for faculty and staff, and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of research administration. In addition to her senior administrative role, Dr. Carnes is the ENGIE‑Axium Endowed Chair and professor of pharmaceutics and pharmacology in Ohio State’s College of Pharmacy. A distinguished scholar, she has authored more than 90 peer‑reviewed publications and has been named a Fellow of the American Heart Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.As vice president for research and innovation, Dr. Carnes will serve as the University’s chief research officer across all campuses and locations and as a member of the University Cabinet. She will lead efforts to sustain and strengthen the University’s research enterprise, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand partnerships across industry, government, and communities statewide. Dr. Carnes holds a PhD in pharmacy and veterinary clinical sciences from The Ohio State University, a PharmD from the University of Utah, and a BS from the University of Texas, Austin.Read the full press release here.Becca Kennedy and Dan Rodas led this search with Keith Mason, Stephen Kalogeras, and Cortnee Bollard.
