Dr. Sam Ward has been appointed Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, effective July 1, 2026.
Ward is currently transitioning away from his role as vice dean for research in the School of Medicine and is a professor in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Radiology in the School of Medicine and Bioengineering in the Jacobs School of Engineering. Since joining the faculty in 2006, he has built a distinguished record as a clinician-scientist, collaborative leader and innovator whose work has helped advance research across disciplines.
In his new role, Ward will join the Vice Chancellor’s Office of Research and Innovation, which supports campus research through strategic growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and research administration. He will help strengthen connections across the university’s research enterprise and expand engagement with external partners.
“Dr. Sam Ward brings a rare combination of scientific excellence, collaborative leadership and deep institutional knowledge to this role,” said Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Corinne Peek-Asa. “As UC San Diego continues to grow its research enterprise, his experience building cross-disciplinary programs and supporting investigators will help us strengthen our community of discovery and accelerate innovation in ways that improve lives.”
Ward said his goals as senior associate vice chancellor are to help grow and diversify the research enterprise, build and sustain a world-class research community, and modernize and integrate discovery, research and innovation across campus.