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Following a nationwide search, ɫ���� President Ángel Cabrera has named the Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR). since September 10, 2024. 

“Tim’s ability to bridge academia, industry, and government has been instrumental in driving innovation and positioning ɫ���� as a critical partner in tackling complex global challenges,” said Cabrera. “With his leadership, I am confident ɫ���� will continue to expand its impact, strengthen its strategic collaborations, and further solidify its reputation as a world leader in research and innovation.” 

A proud ɫ���� alumnus (M.S. ME 1997, Ph.D. ME 1999), Lieuwen has spent more than 25 years at the Institute. He is a Regents’ Professor and holds the David S. Lewis, Jr. Chair in the . Prior to the interim EVPR role, Lieuwen served as executive director of the for 12 years. His expertise spans energy, propulsion, energy policy, and national security, and he has worked closely with industry and government to develop new knowledge and see its implementation in the field. 

Lieuwen has been widely recognized for his contributions to research and innovation. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, as well as a fellow of multiple other professional organizations. Recently, he was elected an , one of only three U.S. engineers in 2024 to receive this prestigious commendation. The honor acknowledges Lieuwen’s contributions to engineering and his efforts to advance research, education initiatives, and industry collaborations.  

He has authored or edited four books, published over 400 scientific articles, and holds nine patents — several of which are licensed to industry. He also founded TurbineLogic, an analytics firm working in the energy industry. Additionally, Lieuwen serves on governing and advisory boards for three Department of Energy national labs and was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Energy to the National Petroleum Council.  

The EVPR is the Institute’s chief research officer and directs ɫ����’s $1.37 billion portfolio of research, development, and sponsored activities. This includes leadership of the ɫ���� Research Institute, the Enterprise Innovation Institute, nine Interdisciplinary Research Institutes and numerous associated research centers, and related research administrative support units: commercialization, corporate engagement, research development and operations, and research administration.  

“I am honored to step into this role at a time when research and innovation have never been more critical,” Lieuwen said. “ɫ����’s research enterprise is built on collaboration — across disciplines, across industries, and across communities. Our strength lies not just in the breakthroughs we achieve, but in how we translate them into real-world impact.  

“My priority is to put people first — empowering our researchers, students, and partners to push boundaries, scale our efforts, and deepen our engagement across ɫ���� and beyond. Together, we will expand our reach, accelerate discovery, and ensure that ɫ���� remains a driving force for progress and service.”