Georgia Tech's Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs has named Mark Allen the new senior vice provost for Research and Innovation.

"I am extremely pleased that Mark will be leading our research, commercialization, and economic development activities here at Georgia Tech," said Gary Schuster, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. "He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in both research and technology transfer to our leadership team, and he will be an excellent advocate for Tech."

Allen, 44, was selected from four finalists and comes to the provost's office after serving as Regent's Professor and J.M. Pettit Professor in Microelectronics in Georgia Tech's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He is also co-founder of CardioMEMS, a successful biotechnology start-up company that produces innovative cardiovascular sensors based on micro-electro-mechanical systems technology he developed.

As a member of the provost's senior leadership team, Allen will be instrumental in setting the Institute's research and economic development agenda and strategic direction. He will not only manage Tech's $458 million research portfolio, but also oversee the commercialization of innovation, ensuring that the Institute takes maximum advantage of the intellectual property developed in its research labs.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve Georgia Tech in this new capacity and hope to continue the success we have experienced in research and technology transfer," said Allen. "Georgia Tech is already a recognized leader in these areas, and I look forward to helping us realize the significant potential for further growth that is vitally important to Tech's future."

The finalists were selected by a committee comprised of faculty members and campus leaders and chaired by College of Engineering Dean Don Giddens.

Allen replaces Charlie Liotta, who has returned to the faculty following a long and successful tenure in this position.