Indian-Origin Scientist Deep Jariwala Appointed to Prestigious UT-ORNL Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices
In a significant career advancement, Deep Jariwala, an Indian-origin scientist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has been named the UT-ORNL Governor's Chair for Quantum Devices. This prestigious appointment places him at the forefront of cutting-edge quantum research in the United States.
Transition to a Dual Academic and Research Role
After nearly nine years at the University of Pennsylvania, Jariwala will assume this joint position in January 2027. The role bridges the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, combining academic leadership with access to world-class scientific infrastructure. The UT-ORNL Governor's Chair is widely regarded as one of the most esteemed research appointments in the country, designed to attract top-tier scientists to collaborate across both institutions.
The programme is managed by the University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, which coordinates research priorities and talent development. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this initiative has successfully drawn leading scientists to Tennessee across various strategic fields.
Jariwala's Dual Responsibilities and Research Focus
Jariwala will hold a joint appointment with his academic base in the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee. His responsibilities will be split between teaching, mentoring, and building research groups at the university, while also leading advanced research programmes at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
He described this dual structure as a "rare chance to wear two hats," leveraging the strengths of a premier research university alongside the large-scale infrastructure of a national lab. This setup facilitates the rapid translation of scientific concepts into practical applications, particularly in quantum devices and advanced electronics.
Jariwala is internationally recognized for his work at the intersection of quantum materials, microelectronics, and computing systems. With over 180 research publications, more than 26,000 citations, and multiple patents, his research focuses on developing novel materials and device architectures for next-generation computing, sensing, and optoelectronic systems. These advancements are crucial for emerging technologies like quantum computing.
As part of his new role, he plans to establish a materials deposition and characterisation laboratory at the University of Tennessee's Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, located at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm. This facility aims to enhance collaboration between academia, national labs, and industry.
Strengthening Tennessee's Quantum Research Ecosystem
Jariwala's appointment is a key component of a broader initiative to expand quantum research capabilities in Tennessee. The UT-ORNL partnership is building a comprehensive ecosystem that encompasses materials discovery, computing, and workforce development.
Researchers from both institutions collaborate on major projects such as the Department of Energy's Quantum Science Center, a $125 million programme focused on advancing quantum computing and maintaining U.S. leadership in the field. By integrating the University of Tennessee's academic expertise with ORNL's capabilities in supercomputing, neutron science, and large-scale facilities, this collaboration accelerates innovation in next-generation technologies.
Jariwala intends to recruit new students and postdoctoral researchers, providing opportunities for young scientists to engage in a highly collaborative environment. The broader initiative also emphasizes building talent pipelines through graduate programmes and statewide STEM initiatives, reinforcing Tennessee's status as a growing hub for advanced scientific research.
Institutional Support and Strategic Significance
The appointment has received strong endorsement from leadership across both institutions. Officials have highlighted Jariwala as a leading figure in quantum materials and advanced electronics, whose contributions will strengthen collaboration and accelerate research progress.
This recruitment reflects a strategic effort to attract top global talent and expand capabilities in critical areas such as quantum science, materials engineering, and computing technologies. Reflecting on his tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, Jariwala expressed gratitude for the work accomplished and the collaborations built over nearly a decade, which were instrumental in establishing his reputation as a prominent researcher in quantum materials.
