Deep Jariwala, an Indian-origin scientist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has been appointed as the UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices, marking a significant milestone in his career. After nearly nine years at Penn, he will take up this prestigious joint role between the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in January 2027. The appointment places him at the centre of cutting-edge quantum research, combining academic leadership with access to some of the world’s most advanced scientific infrastructure.The UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair is one of the most prestigious research appointments in the United States. It is a joint programme between the University of Tennessee system and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, designed to attract world-class scientists and engineers to work across both institutions.The programme is managed by the University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, which aligns research priorities and talent development between the university and the national lab. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the initiative has brought leading scientists to Tennessee across multiple strategic fields.
Deep Jariwala’s role in academia and national research
Jariwala will hold a joint appointment with his academic base in the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee. His role allows him to split time between teaching, mentoring and building research groups at the university, while also leading advanced research programmes at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.This dual structure offers what Jariwala described as a “rare chance to wear two hats,” combining the strengths of a top research university with the large-scale infrastructure of a national lab. It enables faster translation of scientific ideas into real-world applications, particularly in quantum devices and advanced electronics.Jariwala is widely recognised for his work at the intersection of quantum materials, microelectronics and computing systems. He has published more than 180 research papers, with over 26,000 citations, and holds multiple patents.His research focuses on developing new materials and device architectures for next-generation computing, sensing and optoelectronic systems. These are key building blocks for emerging technologies such as quantum computing and advanced electronics.As part of his new role, he plans to establish a materials deposition and characterisation laboratory at the University of Tennessee’s Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, located at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm. This facility will further strengthen collaboration between academia, national labs and industry.
Strengthening the UT-ORNL quantum ecosystem
Jariwala’s appointment is part of a broader push to expand quantum research capabilities in Tennessee. The UT-ORNL partnership is building a comprehensive ecosystem that spans materials discovery, computing and workforce development.Researchers from both institutions collaborate on major initiatives such as the Department of Energy’s Quantum Science Center, a $125M programme aimed at advancing quantum computing and maintaining US leadership in the field.By combining the University of Tennessee’s academic expertise with ORNL’s world-leading capabilities in supercomputing, neutron science and large-scale facilities, the collaboration is accelerating innovation in next-generation technologies.Jariwala has indicated plans to recruit new students and postdoctoral researchers, creating opportunities for young scientists to work in a highly collaborative environment.The broader initiative also focuses on building talent pipelines through graduate programmes and statewide STEM initiatives, reinforcing Tennessee’s position as a growing hub for advanced scientific research.
Leadership backing and institutional significance
The appointment has been strongly endorsed by leadership across both institutions. Officials highlighted Jariwala as a leading figure in quantum materials and advanced electronics, whose work will strengthen collaboration and accelerate research progress.The recruitment reflects a strategic effort to attract top global talent and expand capabilities in critical areas such as quantum science, materials engineering and computing technologies.Reflecting on his time at the University of Pennsylvania, Jariwala expressed gratitude for the work he accomplished and the collaborations he built over nearly a decade. His tenure at Penn played a key role in establishing his reputation as a leading researcher in quantum materials.
