Sethuraman Panchanathan is a computer scientist and science administrator who served as Director of the National Science Foundation. Confirmed to the role in 2020, he oversaw one of the world’s largest public funders of scientific research and innovation. During his tenure, the NSF played a central role in implementing major federal initiatives to strengthen American competitiveness in science and technology, including programs associated with the CHIPS and Science Act. Panchanathan’s leadership helped shape national investments in research, education, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
