Search for UW-Madison research vice chancellor delayed

The exit of Chancellor Biddy Martin has put on hold the search for a new University of Wisconsin–Madison vice chancellor for research and dean of the Graduate School.

“With the departure of Chancellor Martin, we have decided to delay filling the vice chancellor for research position,” says UW–Madison Provost Paul M. DeLuca Jr. “We will restart the search once a permanent chancellor has been named.”

Current Graduate School Dean Martin Cadwallader has agreed to serve in the capacity of interim vice chancellor for research and remain as dean until a new team is in place, according to DeLuca.

“It only makes sense to put the brakes on the search as the vice chancellor for research is a key member of the chancellor’s executive team,” DeLuca explains. “Continuity in the position as well as affording a new chancellor a voice in appointing someone to fill this critical role, we thought, was the best course of action. We’re gratified that Dean Cadwallader has agreed to continue in the job until new campus leadership is in place.”

After an initial search, finalists for the position now held by Cadwallader were announced last month. The four finalists have been notified of the delayed search, DeLuca says, adding that the hope is they will continue to be interested in the position.

DeLuca emphasized the scope and complexity of the UW–Madison research enterprise poses enormous challenges. Specifically, he noted the need for the campus to better capitalize on the potential of increasing research contracts from industry. Toward that end, Cadwallader is charged with establishing an Office of Industrial Contracting, an entity that would be poised to facilitate and encourage research relationships and contracts with industry.

Another key challenge, DeLuca notes, is aligning policy and function with regard to compliance with state and federal policies and regulations. In particular, drawing and codifying careful lines of communication and coordination with the vice chancellor for administration, who oversees radiation, chemical and biological safety as well as the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, remains a high priority.

“Dean Cadwallader, we’re confident, can move these opportunities and issues forward,” says DeLuca. “Accomplishing these difficult tasks will, ultimately, make for a more efficient and responsive research environment.”