The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has created a new administrative position on campus — the associate dean for Research — that will assist the vice chancellor for Research with duties.

Abbas Ourmazd has been the vice chancellor for Research since July 1 and is the first person to hold that title at UWM. He is also the dean of the Graduate School.

The associate dean for Research will help Ourmazd to enhance research on campus by finding ways to bring in funding, evaluating current research processes and policies, reviewing new processes and policies, and supporting teaching and service.

Administrators plan to promote a current researcher from the university to fill the new position instead of hiring someone new from outside.

So far UWM has received about a dozen applications, but will not disclose any names. The application process is ongoing, so the university is still accepting applications.

The person chosen must have a doctorate degree and must also have held positions in research management and administration in the past. The person must also currently be involved in research. Once promoted, the person must continue any current academic work.

UWM is growing as a research university. Research in all academic areas will be upheld and promoted by the new associate dean for Research, Ourmazd said.

Ourmazd said that there are many important research projects currently being undertaken by talented faculty, staff and students that need support.

However, UWM is not advancing research to simply compete with other colleges.

“There was a Greek philosopher who said you can’t step in the same river twice, and so I don’t think that we should try and step in the river following footsteps of anyone, however distinguished,” Ourmazd said.

UWM does not want to copy the footsteps of UW-Madison, but instead tread its own path in the research field, Ourmazd said.

In conjunction with the recently passed Research Growth Initiative, the creation of this new position will “grow research, scholarly and creative activities by directing our research expenditures to desired research outcomes,” the initiative’s frequently asked questions said.

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