Gleason Appointed Director of Partnerships

Shaun Gleason has taken on a pivotal leadership role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as the newly appointed director of the Partnerships Office, effective January 6. This strategic placement aims to bolster the laboratory’s commitment to advancing science and technology in a manner that resonates with both local and global challenges. Gleason steps into this vital position during a time when the intersection of research, commercialization, and regional development is crucial for fostering innovation and economic vitality.

The Partnerships Office serves as a nexus for various initiatives at ORNL, crucially linking entrepreneurship, commercialization, and the management of intellectual property to foster technology transfer and strategic partnerships. These elements collectively contribute to economic development and encourage regional innovation, thus positioning ORNL as a significant player in the national research landscape. Gleason’s appointment signals a renewed focus on how to effectively harness research outcomes for real-world applications, an endeavor that resonates deeply with ORNL’s core mission.

Susan Hubbard, the lab’s deputy for Science and Technology, emphasized the breadth of Gleason’s experience at ORNL. His journey, which began in 1989, spans a variety of roles, showcasing his prowess as a scientist and an entrepreneur. This diverse background equips him with the insight and capability to lead the Partnerships Office effectively. Hubbard lauded Gleason’s ability to bridge research and commercialization, advocating for the translation of scientific advancements into actionable, impactful changes within society.

Gleason’s recent role as the director of Science-Security Initiative Integration demonstrated his capability to integrate complex scientific endeavors across the laboratory. By spearheading initiatives melding quantum information science with artificial intelligence, Gleason has already established a foundation for collaborative efforts that extend beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries. This integration is paramount in addressing the multifaceted challenges that arise in today’s fast-paced technological environment, particularly in sectors where security and advanced computation intersect.

Beyond his leadership in recent initiative integrations, Gleason’s earlier work underscores a solid entrepreneurial spirit. After developing a notable technology while at ORNL, he co-founded ImTek, Inc. in 1998, a company dedicated to preclinical medical imaging. The transition from laboratory research to commercial enterprise exemplifies the dual objectives of scientific inquiry and economic impact—a theme central to his upcoming work at the Partnerships Office. The eventual merger of ImTek with Siemens not only underscores the success of this endeavor but also highlights the potential for ORNL-developed technologies to thrive in the commercial market.

Returning to ORNL in 2008, Gleason took on critical leadership roles, including the establishment of the Cyber and Applied Data Analytics Division in 2018. His previous experience as director of the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division demonstrates his consistent focus on computational methodologies that have become increasingly significant in various scientific domains. Each of these roles has fortified his understanding of how to cultivate a scientific ecosystem that prioritizes innovation and collaboration, critical components that will shape the partnerships he forges in his new position.

His academic credentials, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee, further authenticate his expertise in electrical engineering, computer vision, and machine learning. With over 120 publications and 10 patents to his name, Gleason stands out not only as a leader but also as a prolific contributor to his fields of study. His recognition as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers underscores his commitment to advancing scientific understanding and innovation.

As he begins his tenure, Gleason’s vision for the Partnerships Office will likely focus on fostering stronger ties with industry partners and enhancing the laboratory’s capacity for technology transfer and commercialization. The realization of ORNL’s mission to drive significant scientific advancements for both local communities and the global arena will require a strategic approach to partnership development, a task that he is particularly well-suited to undertake given his background and experience.

In the broader context, ORNL plays an essential role as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the leading supporter of fundamental research in physical sciences across the nation. This relationship provides Gleason with a unique platform to advocate for policies and practices that enhance scientific collaboration, innovation, and economic development on multiple fronts. The strategic interconnections he develops will likely be instrumental in addressing some of the pressing scientific challenges that society faces today.

As the landscape of science and technology continues to evolve, the importance of leadership in these partnerships cannot be overstated. Gleason’s comprehensive experience both within the laboratory and in the business realm positions him to effectively guide ORNL’s outreach and partnership efforts, ensuring that scientific advancements do not remain isolated within academia but instead transform industries and improve lives. His appointment signifies a commitment to not only fostering innovation but ensuring this innovation delivers tangible benefits to society at large.

In summary, Shaun Gleason’s appointment as the director of the Partnerships Office heralds a new chapter for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. With a focus on bridging research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, he is poised to reinforce the laboratory’s role at the nexus of scientific innovation and economic development. As the United States and the world confront significant challenges, the evolution of partnerships in science and technology becomes increasingly paramount.

Subject of Research: Leadership in scientific partnerships and technology transfer
Article Title: Shaun Gleason Takes the Helm of Partnerships Office at ORNL
News Publication Date: January 6, 2024
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Image Credits: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Keywords: Partnerships, Technology Transfer, Entrepreneurship, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Scientific Innovation, Economic Development.