It’s been almost six years since David Lee stepped down as the chairman of the department of biochemistry and biophysics at UNC to become the vice president for research at the University of Georgia.
He returned to campus Monday as one of the three candidates vying to become vice chancellor for research.
Lee presented his vision Monday for the future of research at UNC at a forum attended largely by faculty.
Lee outlined opportunities for growth and improvement in research, including tweaking hiring processes, increasing undergraduate participation in research and blurring the lines that separate the graduate school programs from the rest of the University.
“The University has all the potential in the world and I think it’s poised to go to the next level,” Lee said. “If you doubt it, do like I’ve done — step away for a brief period of time and look back.”
Lee identified key areas that would propel research initiatives at the University, including embracing the Innovate@Carolina initiative — a $125 million project that aims to make UNC a leader in entrepreneurship.
“I’m a big fan of the chancellor’s entrepreneurial initiative,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons I’m interested in this job.
“It’s a great way to brand and differentiate the University and to enhance the impacts that the University can have.”
Other candidates for the position are Barbara En?twisle, who is currently serving in the position on an interim basis, and Kimberly Espy, associate vice chancellor for research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
