Sethuraman Panchanathan, an Indian American and director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), is slated to deliver the commencement address for Northeastern University’s 2024 graduate student ceremony on May 5 at Boston’s Fenway Park. As a computer scientist and engineer, Panchanathan assumed leadership at NSF in June 2020, overseeing its mission to advance scientific discovery, technological innovation, and STEM education in the U.S. With a budget of approximately $9.5 billion, NSF plays a pivotal role in driving groundbreaking research and fostering future leaders in science and technology.
Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun praised Panchanathan’s contributions to scientific advancement, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, which tackle pressing global challenges. Panchanathan’s leadership at NSF has been instrumental in recognizing and addressing the transformative potential of cutting-edge science. His previous engagement with Northeastern, including speaking at the grand opening of the EXP research complex, underscores his commitment to fostering world-class educational opportunities and nurturing innovative talent.
Panchanathan’s recent editorial in the scientific journal PNAS Nexus underscores his advocacy for responsible and equitable development of artificial intelligence. He emphasizes NSF’s significant investment, around $800 million annually, in AI research for the public good. Furthermore, he highlights collaborative initiatives, such as the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource pilot, aimed at establishing shared national research infrastructure to drive innovation and accessibility in AI research.
In discussing the challenges and promises of artificial intelligence, Panchanathan emphasizes the need for proactive engagement and innovation to address emerging complexities. Despite potential obstacles, he advocates for accelerating efforts to harness AI’s transformative potential, leveraging innovative solutions to navigate challenges and advance societal progress.
Prior to his role at NSF, Panchanathan held leadership positions at Arizona State University, where he spearheaded research and innovation initiatives. His extensive experience as a professor and director of research centers underscores his commitment to driving scientific discovery and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in academia and beyond.
