Brandeis names Hackett vice provost for research

Edward J. Hackett

Brandeis University has appointed Edward J. Hackett as vice provost for research.

“Advancing the scope and visibility of our research enterprise is a vital part of Brandeis’ mission as a research university,” said Irving R. Epstein, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Brandeis. “Ed’s background, knowledge and energy will make him an exceptional leader in our quest of scientific advancement and discovery.”

Hackett initially will serve in this role part time, beginning Aug. 1, and then transition to a full-time appointment on Jan. 1, 2016.

"Brandeis is an exciting place to be because it combines transformative inquiry across all fields of scholarship–humanities and arts, sciences and social sciences–with dedication to liberal arts education, an abiding commitment to justice and equity, and a willingness to engage the world through policy and professional work,” said Hackett. “I am delighted to become part of the team that will help the students, staff and faculty of Brandeis accomplish their goals.”

As vice provost for research, Hackett will work closely with the academic deans and division heads to enhance the significant research being conducted at Brandeis. His responsibilities will include promoting faculty and student research, identifying funding streams and opportunities, managing units involved in grant solicitation and management, and helping oversee research ethics and integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Since 2005, Hackett has been a professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. He took a two-year leave in 2006 to direct the Division of Social and Economic Sciences at the National Science Foundation. Prior to that, Hackett served as a professor of sociology at Arizona State from 1997 to 2004, as well as a program officer in science and technology studies at the National Science Foundation, where he helped design the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. From 1984 to 1997, he was a professor in the newly formed Department of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Hackett earned his PhD in sociology from Cornell University. He is currently the editor of Science, Technology & Human Values, the official journal of the Society for Social Studies of Science and a leading forum for discussions of contemporary social issues.