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Simon Atkinson

The University of Kansas has selected an experienced researcher and administrator as its new vice chancellor for research.

In a news release from KU, interim Provost Carl Lejuez announced the selection of Simon Atkinson, who currently serves in the same position at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Atkinson was selected through the university’s standard protocol, which includes a search committee.

Atkinson’s appointment is contingent on his receiving tenure from KU. If approved, he is expected to take over the position in July.

In the vice chancellor role, Atkinson will be expected to lead the KU Office of Research, advocate for research at KU, and oversee administration for research grants and contracts for the Lawrence campus, among several other responsibilities. He will report directly to the university’s provost and work with the senior leadership team.

Atkinson has served as vice chancellor for research at IUPUI since 2015. He also is currently a chancellor’s professor at IUPUI, the university’s most distinguished faculty appointment, as well as a professor of biology, among other faculty positions.

As a researcher, Atkinson has studied acute kidney injuries, aiming to develop strategies to prevent those types of injuries caused by heart failure, cardiac surgery and other causes.