In 2024, Harvard University’s Office of the Provost launched the Catalyst Professorship to strengthen ties between academia and the private sector. This senior faculty position allows academics to engage in industry roles while maintaining their university commitments. Doug Melton, Boaz Barak, and Michael Brenner have been named as the inaugural Catalyst Professors.
President Alan M. Garber highlighted the professorship’s role in supporting academic excellence and fostering faculty ambitions that contribute to Harvard’s mission. He expressed enthusiasm for the achievements expected from Melton, Barak, and Brenner in their new roles. Provost John F. Manning praised the initiative as a means to enhance collaboration within the research ecosystem.
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Judy Singer noted that the professorship provides an innovative structure for distinguished faculty to pursue external opportunities while fulfilling their teaching duties. Open to all disciplines, the program emphasizes emerging fields like AI, biotechnology, and quantum technologies, where academic-industry collaboration is vital.
John Shaw, the senior vice provost for research, described the professorship as a way to bridge gaps between academic insights and industry innovations, aiming for significant real-world impacts. He looks forward to welcoming more Catalyst Professors to advance scholarly work and societal contributions.
Doug Melton, a leader in stem cell research, was appointed a Catalyst Professor in 2024. He also serves as a research fellow at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Melton’s career includes significant contributions to diabetes research and the founding of Semma Therapeutics. He has held various roles at Harvard, including co-chairing the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.
Boaz Barak, specializing in theoretical computer science, became a Catalyst Professor in fall 2025. He holds a concurrent position at OpenAI, focusing on AI safety and alignment. Barak’s research includes cryptography, algorithms, and machine learning. He has also contributed to several academic and advisory boards and initiatives.
Michael Brenner, who has served as the Michael F. Cronin Professor of Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics, was appointed a Catalyst Professor in fall 2025. He works as a principal scientist at Google Research, leading Science AI. Brenner’s role at Google complements his academic work at Harvard.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
