UL Research Institutes Appoints Elena Zinchenko as Chief Program Development Officer

EVANSTON, Ill. — July 7, 2026 — UL Research Institutes has named Elena Zinchenko, Ed.D., as vice president and chief program development officer, a newly created position aimed at accelerating external funding, strengthening strategic partnerships, and scaling the organization’s research impact. The appointment is designed to support a pipeline of collaborations that move safety science from laboratory insight to real-world prevention strategies.

In her new role, Zinchenko will guide the design and execution of ULRI initiatives, including partnership structures and funding strategies that broaden the organization’s global reach. Her mandate centers on translating stakeholder needs into scalable programs, with an emphasis on mission-driven innovation and measurable outcomes in public safety.

Zinchenko’s work will include developing new partnership opportunities and shaping sponsor engagement plans to support multi-partner research programs. She will also help advance commercialization through structured business planning, including the strategic use of ULRI intellectual property, creating pathways for research findings to influence products, standards, and operational practices.

“Elena brings a strong track record of building impactful programs and partnerships that translate science into meaningful outcomes,” said James J. Hudgens, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for UL Research Institutes. “Her program development and partnership leadership will strengthen our ability to prevent harm and save lives through safety science research excellence.”

Most recently, Zinchenko served as assistant provost for research at the University of Chicago. There, she rebuilt the institution’s large-proposal enterprise and expanded research development capabilities, focusing on the complex coordination required to win competitive federal and philanthropic funding while aligning teams around shared scientific goals.

ULRI’s research portfolio spans fire safety, electrochemical safety, chemical insights, materials discovery, digital safety, and research experiences and education. The organization publishes findings openly and works to inform standards bodies, policymakers, and communities, aiming to transform evidence into decisions, behaviors, standards, and systems that protect infrastructure and people.

With more than 15 years of experience in program development, external funding, and strategic partnerships, Zinchenko brings expertise in creating institutional-scale collaborations. Her background includes building multi-partner efforts across federal, philanthropic, and commercial sectors—an approach that can reduce time-to-impact for safety science initiatives.

Zinchenko earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, her doctorate from Harvard University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago.

She will begin her duties as ULRI accelerates efforts to expand research translation and strengthen the partner ecosystem that supports safety-focused innovation.