UW VP for Research, Economic Development Takes New Position

Vice President for Research and Economic Development Edmund “Ed” Synakowski is leaving the University of Wyoming to become vice president for research at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), effective Aug. 30. 

“We wish Vice President Synakowski nothing but the best in this new opportunity at UNLV,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “I have personally enjoyed and appreciated the scientific rigor and highly strategic perspectives he has brought to the table during the first year of my tenure at UW. He has been a wonderful partner, and his many colleagues will miss having him as a member of the UW team.” 

Discussions are underway regarding the process and timing of a search for a new vice president for research and economic development at UW. 

“This is an incredibly important role at UW, going to the heart of a research-intensive university; helping to raise new revenue streams from federal agencies and corporate partnerships; and supporting our efforts to be an even stronger engine for innovation for the state,” Seidel says. “We are committed to finding an outstanding national candidate to fill Ed’s shoes and further build on his work to bring us forward in these areas.” 

The role of the vice president for research and economic development at UW is to support and facilitate the research efforts of faculty, staff and students; direct the university's research mission as a public research university; promote the university's research program with stakeholders; and direct technology transfer and commercialization efforts for UW intellectual property. 

Before joining UW in 2017, Synakowski was associate director of science for fusion energy sciences in the U.S. Department of Energy, where he was responsible for strategic planning for the national fusion energy program, as well as its budget formulation and execution and construction project oversight. For his federal service, Synakowski was awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Meritorious Service Award in 2017.