New research leader discusses his vision for driving innovation and empowering faculty, staff and students

Tomás Díaz de la Rubia brings a wealth of experience in higher education, government and the private sector to his new role as senior vice president for research and innovation at the University of Arizona. A physicist and materials scientist by training, Díaz de la Rubia most recently served as vice president for research and partnerships at the University of Oklahoma and previously held research leadership positions at Purdue University, Deloitte Consulting and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

In this Q&A, Díaz de la Rubia – who began his tenure at the university on Nov. 11 – outlines his appreciation for the vast scope and impact of the university's research mission, his vision for a transdisciplinary approach that addresses societal needs, and the "critically important" role that real-world research experience plays in training the next generation of scholars and innovators.

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Why did you choose the University of Arizona?

I have long felt a deep appreciation for the U of A's world-renowned reputation of research excellence and its land-grant mission, which is central to all it does. What sets it apart in my mind is its consistent, intentional focus on service, which focuses on applying research advancements to the benefit of society. I also had the good fortune to work with President Garimella at Purdue University and jumped at the opportunity to partner with him again here. 

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your new role?

My goal is to provide the university with a supportive, effective and efficient research administration that helps provide a core purpose and strategic focus to the U of A's research enterprise and enables us to meet our ambitions for the future. I'm looking forward to working across the university to bring the U of A to new heights in the scale, scope and impact of its research mission, and championing productive convergence of faculty, staff and students across transdisciplinary boundaries. What matters the most to me is the diversity of voices and expertise involved in every process, and research that fundamentally serves the populations that need it most.

We face so many challenges to sustain and improve our planet's quality of life, today and for decades to come. But, the rapid and global pace of innovation and democratization of technology, when coupled with strong insights from the humanities, social sciences and the creative arts, can help us address these challenges and bring opportunity and a higher quality of life to many around the world. The future can be promising, and research universities like the U of A have an important role to play in making that future a reality.

What is your leadership philosophy?

My leadership philosophy is one of service to the faculty and the students and is rooted in fostering the convergence of transdisciplinary teams that are empowered to work together to address global challenges and drive transformational impact. I will align strategic initiatives with societal needs, such as sustainability, health advancements and national security, while growing institutional excellence in research and reach across diverse sectors.

What are some of the challenges and rewards of leading a research enterprise at a university?

Leading a university research enterprise involves balancing strategic vision with operational demands, such as securing competitive funding, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, and managing resources and people. Challenges include breaking down silos, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring research impacts meet societal needs. However, the rewards are profound – driving innovation, empowering faculty, staff and students, and building transformative partnerships with other institutions, industry and government. Ultimately, it's about creating opportunities, addressing global challenges, and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence in research and education that benefits the institution and society.

You began your career as a physicist and materials scientist. Why did you choose that field?

My father was an engineer, and my grandfather was a chemist, so science and engineering were always around me at home, and early on, I became fascinated by physics. In 1981, after having started college in Spain, I decided to come to the U.S. to study. Those early undergraduate days and the ability to do research from a very early time truly changed my life. I was allowed to do research on materials in a particle accelerator, and I became fascinated by the process of discovery and the scientific method. It was then that I knew I wanted a career in research. 

The University of Arizona prides itself on giving undergraduates the opportunity to get real-world research experience. What are your thoughts on that?

It is critically important to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving workforce and show them how academic research connects with industry, government and societal needs. This approach equips them with practical skills, fosters innovation, and ensures they are ready to tackle pressing global issues like climate change and technological advancement. I believe we should help our students gain visibility into and get excited by science. We need additional approaches in applied engineering and technology education that are hands-on and project-based in terms of internships and many other kinds of other opportunities. 

You were appointed by the White House and secretary of defense to the Defense Science Board, whose members come from government service, military service, academia and private industry, all chosen because of their technical credentials and preeminence in their fields of expertise. Can you describe your work with the DSB?

Climate change is one of the most significant threats to global security, intensifying existing global security vulnerabilities, exacerbating regional instabilities, and fueling conflict. I co-led the 2023 Defense Science Board Summer Study on Climate Change and Global Security. Through this report, we emphasize the need for the U.S. Department of Defense to urgently prepare to operate in a world transformed by these climate-driven challenges and provide investment priorities for new systems and technology.

I also believe that it is the role of every public university in the country to help our military succeed in its mission to protect us. Advances in research help us develop technologies to help fortify our military against the major threats that we face from our adversaries around the world.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

If I hadn't become a scientist, I would have liked to have been a professional Formula One race car driver. The skill and preparation required to drive at the top of the sport is amazing, but it is probably best that I became a scientist.

What will we be talking about if we have this conversation again in a year?

When we look out over the next year, we are going to see the University of Arizona continue to grow as a leader in multidisciplinary research on key global challenges such as national security and defense, advancing life science discoveries, quantum networking, space exploration, artificial intelligence, energy and environmental sustainability, and other important fields. These are areas that truly are going to help us make the planet a better place for future generations. 

We will also be even more productive in commercializing the work we do so that it matches the needs of the communities we serve and makes a tangible difference in the lives of people.