#United States #University of Maryland #College Park #Research #Patrick O'Shea

Patrick O'Shea Appointed New Vice President for Research at University of Maryland

In a significant announcement, the University of Maryland has appointed Dr. Patrick O'Shea as its new Vice President for Research (VPR). This pivotal role will see him overseeing research initiatives across both the College Park and Baltimore campuses, which together boast an impressive annual research expenditure of $1.4 billion. This staggering figure places the collective institutions at the 11th rank nationally among public universities, according to the National Science Foundation's recent Higher Education Research and Development survey.

Dr. O'Shea, who is transitioning from his previous role as the Deputy VPR at the College Park campus, will collaborate closely with the presidents and senior management of UMCP and UMB. His mission will be to develop a futuristic vision and strategy for research that reflects national trends in funding and leverages the universities' strengths in various fields, including quantum research, artificial intelligence, data science, health, biomedical advancements, and national security.

UMB President Bruce Jarrell conveyed his enthusiasm regarding Dr. O'Shea's appointment, stating, "Vice President O'Shea is a proven leader who was instrumental in launching the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership MPowering the State. I look forward to partnering with him to deepen the collaboration with College Park and to uncover new opportunities for innovation, discovery, and growth.”

UMCP President Darryll J. Pines echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Dr. O'Shea’s experience and accomplishments in research. "It's exciting to welcome Dr. Pat O'Shea back to this role at this pivotal moment in research administration. His extensive experience and distinguished scientific background make him well-suited to lead us into a new era of research. Under his guidance, I'm confident we will continue Maryland's strong upward momentum," Pines remarked.

Dr. O'Shea is no stranger to the VPR role; he previously held the position from 2011 to 2016 and played a crucial part in achieving record levels of research funding through competitive grants and contracts. His leadership during this time also facilitated advancements in innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, alongside modernizing numerous research systems.

After concluding his tenure as VPR, Dr. O'Shea took on the role of president at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland. His extensive academic journey also includes positions at esteemed institutions such as Duke University and the University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory. He holds a bachelor's degree in physics from UCC and both a master's and doctorate in physics from UMCP.

Beyond academia, Dr. O'Shea has actively contributed to College Park's academic advancements in quantum science and engineering. He has also been pivotal in fostering a culture of research integrity, compliance, and operations within the university, which is essential for both student and faculty success.

"I am honored to step into this role and deeply committed to ensuring that our two universities continue to rise as pinnacles of excellence, taking their places among the leading institutions in the world," said Dr. O'Shea upon accepting the position. His commitment reflects a deep-seated appreciation for the educational institutions and the community they serve.

Dr. O'Shea’s official start date is set for July 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Gregory Ball, who served in the position for more than three years. With his extensive background and leadership skills, Dr. O'Shea is poised to continue advancing the University of Maryland's position as a leading force in research innovation.

About the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland (UMD) stands as the flagship university of the state, recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. With a vibrant community of over 50,000 enthusiastic students, UMD is dedicated to public service, and it takes pride in being a top research university within the Association of American Universities. Fueled by a massive $1.4 billion collaborative research initiative, the institution offers a robust educational experience, encompassing a wide array of academic programs and student opportunities, thereby creating a dynamic environment for learning and innovation. For more information, visit umd.edu.