Photo by David Kelly Crow.
Dean for Research Pablo Debenedetti, the Class of 1950 Professor in Engineering and Applied Science and a professor of chemical and biological engineering, will step down from his position as dean on June 30. He plans to take a sabbatical during the 2023-24 academic year and then retire from the University.
“It has been a true privilege to serve Princeton’s extraordinary research community for a decade,” Debenedetti said. “I’m very proud of the things that we’ve been able to accomplish with my absolutely outstanding leadership team and truly stellar staff.”
“Pablo Debenedetti has guided Princeton’s research enterprise with skill, integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the values of this University,” said Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber. “He has always maintained the highest ethical and scholarly standards, and his leadership and diligence were indispensable as the University navigated the many phases of the pandemic.”
The dean for research works closely with the provost and other senior leaders to develop and support Princeton’s dynamic research community. Since July 2013, Debenedetti has worked to encourage innovation and collaboration, ensure that all research meets the highest ethical standards, and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit to bring what’s developed in the lab to the public.
“I cannot say enough good things about working with Pablo,” said Provost Debbie Prentice. “He has been both the wind in our sails and the steady hand on the tiller of the University’s research enterprise for the past decade. I am grateful for his excellent judgment, his extraordinary work-ethic and his indomitable spirit.”