A Prestigious New Chapter
Dr. Deep Jariwala, an accomplished scientist of Indian heritage and a professor formerly at the University of Pennsylvania, is embarking on an exciting
new professional journey. As of January 2027, he will assume the distinguished UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices. This highly coveted position represents a significant collaboration between the University of Tennessee Knoxville and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). After dedicating nearly nine years to impactful research and teaching at Penn, Dr. Jariwala’s move places him at the forefront of quantum research. The role is designed to harness the strengths of both a leading academic institution and a premier national laboratory, offering him unparalleled opportunities to lead and innovate in a field critical for future technological advancements. This appointment underscores his expertise and the growing importance of interdisciplinary research in pushing the boundaries of science.
Dual Role Synergy
The UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair is a highly esteemed research position in the United States, orchestrated through a joint initiative between the University of Tennessee system and ORNL. Its primary objective is to attract and support preeminent scientists and engineers, enabling them to contribute their expertise across both organizations. This unique program is administered by the University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, which plays a crucial role in synchronizing research objectives and nurturing talent that benefits both the university and the national laboratory. Now in its 20th year, this initiative has successfully brought leading scientific minds to Tennessee, significantly advancing various strategic research domains. Dr. Jariwala's specific role will involve a joint appointment within the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, allowing him to balance teaching responsibilities and the cultivation of research groups with leading advanced research projects at ORNL. This integrated approach fosters a dynamic research environment, ideal for rapid development and application of novel scientific concepts, particularly in the burgeoning field of quantum devices and advanced electronic systems.
Pioneering Quantum Materials
Dr. Jariwala’s academic and research endeavors have consistently focused on the convergence of quantum materials, sophisticated microelectronics, and intricate computing systems. His extensive contributions to the scientific community are evidenced by over 180 published research papers, which have garnered more than 26,000 citations, and he holds several valuable patents. His current research trajectory is dedicated to the conceptualization and development of novel materials and innovative device architectures. These advancements are crucial for the next generation of computing, highly sensitive sensing technologies, and advanced optoelectronic systems, forming the foundational elements for emerging technologies like quantum computing and sophisticated electronics. As part of his new position, Dr. Jariwala intends to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to materials deposition and characterization. This facility will be situated within the University of Tennessee’s Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, located at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm. The establishment of this lab is poised to further enhance the collaborative synergy between academic research, national laboratory capabilities, and industrial innovation, creating a powerful ecosystem for technological progress.
Building the Quantum Ecosystem
Dr. Jariwala's arrival is a key component of a larger strategic effort to bolster quantum research capabilities within Tennessee. The collaboration between the University of Tennessee and ORNL is actively constructing a comprehensive quantum research ecosystem. This initiative encompasses the entire research lifecycle, from the initial discovery of new materials to the development of advanced quantum computing systems and the cultivation of a skilled future workforce. Researchers from both institutions are actively engaged in significant collaborative projects, such as the Department of Energy’s Quantum Science Center. This substantial $125 million program is dedicated to advancing the field of quantum computing and ensuring the United States maintains its leadership position in this critical area. By leveraging the University of Tennessee’s academic prowess in conjunction with ORNL’s world-leading expertise in supercomputing, neutron science, and large-scale experimental facilities, this partnership is significantly accelerating the pace of innovation in developing next-generation technologies. Dr. Jariwala also plans to actively recruit new graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, thereby creating valuable opportunities for emerging scientists to immerse themselves in a highly collaborative and stimulating research environment.
Institutional Vision
The appointment of Dr. Jariwala has garnered substantial support from the leadership of both the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Officials from both institutions have lauded Dr. Jariwala as a preeminent figure in the fields of quantum materials and advanced electronics, emphasizing that his work will significantly strengthen inter-institutional collaboration and expedite research advancements. This recruitment effort is indicative of a strategic push to attract top-tier global talent and expand the research capabilities in crucial scientific domains, including quantum science, materials engineering, and computing technologies. Reflecting on his tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Jariwala expressed deep gratitude for the research accomplishments and the collaborative relationships he forged over nearly a decade. His period at Penn was instrumental in solidifying his reputation as a leading researcher in quantum materials, providing a strong foundation for his new role.
