Indian American engineer and academic Arvind Raman has officially assumed office as the 18th director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), taking charge of one of the United States’ leading scientific agencies. Sworn in on June 30 following his Senate confirmation on May 18, Raman will also serve as the undersecretary of commerce for standards and technology.
His appointment places him at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the nation’s scientific research, technology development, and industrial competitiveness. NIST plays a critical role in creating standards and advancing research that support innovation across multiple sectors of the US economy.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick welcomed Raman to the department, highlighting his extensive background in scientific research and academic leadership. Lutnick said Raman’s experience would contribute to advancing American technology, manufacturing, and innovation through stronger collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Raman said he was honored to lead NIST and looked forward to working closely with businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, and public-sector partners. He emphasized the importance of accelerating innovation while supporting scientific breakthroughs that strengthen the country’s technological leadership.
Before joining NIST, Raman served as the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering at Purdue University, a position he assumed in 2023. His association with Purdue spans more than two decades after joining the faculty as an assistant professor in 2000. During his academic career, he also held the Robert V. Adams Professorship of Engineering and received multiple awards recognizing his excellence in teaching.
Raman’s research contributions span several disciplines, including atomic force microscopy, human biomechanics, and electronics manufacturing. Early in his career, he also collaborated with NIST scientists on nanotechnology research, giving him firsthand experience with the agency’s scientific mission.
As director, Raman will oversee NIST’s partnerships with academia, industry, and government while guiding research in emerging technologies. His responsibilities include advancing work related to artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, all of which are considered vital to the nation’s future competitiveness.
Originally educated in India, Raman earned his Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi before completing a master’s degree at Purdue University and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. His appointment marks another notable achievement for the Indian American community in US science and technology leadership.
