The National Science Foundation (NSF) has appointed Dr. Margaret Martonosi to lead the agency’s Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE).
CISE supports research in computer science, engineering, and cyberinfrastructure – areas in which Martonosi has extensive experience. She has conducted long-term research focused on computer architecture and mobile computing, with an emphasis on power-efficiency, NSF said. More recently, she has “focused on architecture and compiler issues in quantum computing.”
Martonosi has also held several leadership positions within her field. Since 2017 she has served as director of the Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education at Princeton University, and in 2015 she served in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the Department of State.
“The National Science Foundation is fortunate to have someone like Dr. Martonosi leading the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering,” NSF Director France Córdova said. “Her experience as an innovative researcher and a leader who has worked to improve STEM education and the workforce make her ideal for this role.”
Córdova added that NSF will further address challenges like scaling big data, advancing artificial intelligence, launching quantum computing solutions, and supporting improved cyberinfrastructure under Martonosi’s leadership.
“I’m thrilled to accept this incredible opportunity to serve the research community and the nation at large,” Martonosi said. “The role of computing research in machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and many other societally-relevant topics has never been more important to the nation’s future. America cannot remain at the forefront of innovation without NSF’s crucial contributions towards advances in these research areas.”
Martonosi’s expertise in quantum computing aligns with recent White House goals of advancing quantum research and development (R&D). The administration’s proposed fiscal year 2020 NSF budget included an additional $106 million for quantum R&D, and in June the White House’s National Science and Technology Council sought recommendations related to key policy areas in quantum information science.