Patricia Hurn, PhD, has been named interim vice president for research and innovation, effective August 1, 2026. Hurn will also serve as the Institutional Official (IO) for U-M’s Animal Care & Use Program.
A distinguished translational neuroscientist and academic leader, Hurn’s career has spanned the fields of nursing, medicine, neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering. She has held senior leadership roles at several major academic and research institutions, including dean of U-M’s School of Nursing from August 2016 to June 2026, and vice chancellor for research and innovation for the University of Texas system from 2011 to 2016.
As interim vice president for research and innovation, Hurn leads the Office of the Vice President for Research in advancing excellence, integrity, and impact across U-M’s research enterprise.
About the Role of the Institutional Official
Designated by the university’s president and serving as a representative of senior U-M administration, the IO bears ultimate responsibility for the Animal Care & Use Program, including resource planning and ensuring alignment of program goals with the institution’s mission.
The IO also provides operational oversight for the activities under the associate vice president – animal care and use program and the assistant vice president – animal compliance oversight.
Hurn succeeds Arthur Lupia, PhD, who was recently named the inaugural Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer at Georgetown University.