Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan (Wikipedia)Indian-American scientist Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan has taken charge as director of the National Science Foundation, the top American body supporting fundamental research in non-medical fields of science and engineering in the country. Unanimously confirmed by the Senate last week, Panchanathan, 58, from the Arizona State University, replaced White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Dr Kelvin Droegemeier who served as acting director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The term of previous NSF director France Cordova’s term ended in March 2020. Droegemeier is expected to swear in Panchanathan on July 2, 2020. “Dr Panchanathan has the creativity, tenacity, communication skills, understanding of the research enterprise, and commitment to lead this agency successfully and continue moving the scientific enterprise forward.”

Source: The Telegraph June 24, 2020 20:48 UTC