Get to know Pat Limbach, UC s New Research Leader

Pat Limbach’s 15th year at the University of Cincinnati started with big news—the long-time chemistry professor and Ohio Eminent Scholar was named the university’s

vice president for research

, tasked with overseeing nearly $400 million in funding this year alone. 

Born and raised in Indiana, Limbach brings a wealth of leadership and teaching experience to his new post, in which he will lead UC’s research and discovery initiatives across campuses.

As he continued meeting with faculty and researchers across the institution, the well-regarded bioanalytical chemist took the time to answer some questions from his home college, the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences.

You've been at UC since 2001--why did you decide to try for this new role now?

I was at a stage where I appreciated the strengths and opportunities in research at UC, and I believed I could utilize my background and research experience to drive the research program here forward, building off the advances of the previous vice presidents for research.

What are your primary responsibilities as vice president for research?

• Advocate for the research enterprise

• Promote research internally and externally

• Identify resources required to grow our research activities

• Strategically evaluate where UC should be in the next five to seven years, and then implement the steps in our strategic plan to accomplish these goals.

What excites you the most about it?

I’m excited to meet the faculty and hear about all of the outstanding activities underway as well as to work with young faculty and new hires moving forward.

How do you feel like your earlier roles have helped prepare you for it?

I have made a lot of connections and have had outstanding mentoring in my previous leadership positions. The connections and experiences have eased the transition into this new role.

What do you wish people knew about research at UC that they don't know now?

UC has a strong culture and tradition of innovation, under appreciated in our community, and we are poised for growth.

You come from A&S, specifically the Department of Chemistry. What did you learn from your time in the college that impacts you daily in your new job?

I learned the importance of strategic planning, the value of prioritization, and the need to measure progress.

How does the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences play into your vision for the future of research at UC?

A&S, as the home of liberal arts at UC, is important in supporting both our research activities in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine) and AHSS (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) disciplines. I will expect A&S to become a more active participant in cross-college and multi-disciplinary initiatives. I am looking forward to working with Dean Ken Petren, Senior Associate Dean Arnie Miller and the three new Associate Deans in these types of activities.

Why is interdisciplinary research important for UC and for the future?

The important questions our faculty is seeking to answer require multiple perspectives that are built on disciplinary strengths. When these researchers can come together, the resulting team becomes a sum that is greater than the total of the parts. That leads to innovation and outcomes that can really help us tackle these tough questions. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the next year in your new job?

Among my initial priorities are helping our new faculty get the right start and providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and working with our already-established investigators to undertake initiatives that have local and global impact.

What is the biggest mistake you've ever made and what did you learn from it?

I wish I would have listened to my senior colleagues more when I was starting my academic career, rather than assuming I knew how to do everything already. I’ve learned the value of mentors, and that with experience comes at least a little bit of wisdom.

What are you proudest of in your career to date—besides landing this great new job?

I am very proud of all of my graduate students who have gone on to outstanding, successful careers; likewise, I could not be prouder of the current members of my lab who are fully capable of succeeding while I transition into this new role. I look forward to the challenge of still mentoring these young scientists while also leading UC’s research enterprise.

What is one fun fact about you that people don't know?

I am a huge fan of the Four Corners region in the American southwest. It’s a love I developed during my time at the University of Utah. Visitor to my office will note the various photos I have acquired over the years of this area.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know?

It is important for people to know that President Santa J. Ono views research as a priority, and with that support, I look forward to working with Provost Beverly Davenport and the Senior Vice President for Health Affairs Bill Ball to improve our standing as a research institution. Our Areas of Excellence, which recognize existing strengths, are only one of many pathways the Office of Research is exploring to help us achieve our goals.