CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Anantha Chandrakasan, a longtime faculty member and distinguished leader at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been appointed as the Institute’s next provost, effective July 1, MIT announced.
A professor of electrical engineering and computer science, Chandrakasan brings decades of experience, having held roles ranging from department head to dean of engineering and most recently, MIT’s inaugural chief innovation and strategy officer.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth praised Chandrakasan’s appointment, citing his “exceptional record of shaping and leading important innovations” and highlighting his energy, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep commitment to MIT’s mission. “I am particularly grateful that we will be able to draw on Anantha’s depth and breadth of experience,” she wrote in her announcement to the MIT community.
As provost, Chandrakasan will serve as MIT’s senior academic and budget officer, responsible for academic priorities, faculty recruitment and development, educational programs, and strategic financial planning. He succeeds Cynthia Barnhart, who announced her decision to step down earlier this year. Chandrakasan expressed deep appreciation for Barnhart’s mentorship, noting her thoughtful and inclusive leadership style.
“I feel deeply honored to take on the role of provost,” said Chandrakasan, who also holds the title of Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “Looking ahead, I see myself as a key facilitator, enabling faculty, students, postdocs, and staff to continue making extraordinary contributions to the nation and the world.”
Strategic Focus and Inclusive Leadership
Chandrakasan outlined three main priorities for his tenure as provost: strategic financial planning aligned with institutional needs, attracting and retaining top talent, and fostering interdisciplinary education and research. Emphasizing collaboration, he plans to establish advisory groups that include faculty, students, postdocs, and external stakeholders to guide these efforts.
Recognizing the diversity of MIT’s academic units, Chandrakasan aims to engage deeply with their leadership. “This will help me refine and set the priorities for the Office of the Provost,” he said. “My goal is to continue to facilitate excellence at MIT at all levels.”
Track Record of Visionary Leadership
Since becoming dean of the School of Engineering in 2017, Chandrakasan has spearheaded major initiatives that bridged research, industry, and education. Under his leadership, MIT launched numerous interdisciplinary efforts including the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, and the MIT Quest for Intelligence. He also oversaw the appointment of 110 new faculty members and led hundreds of faculty promotion cases.
In 2024, Chandrakasan was appointed as MIT’s first chief innovation and strategy officer, where he played a pivotal role in launching high-impact initiatives such as the MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC), the MIT Health and Life Sciences Collaborative (MIT HEALS), and the MIT Generative AI Impact Consortium (MGAIC). These efforts support cutting-edge research in AI, quantum computing, biomanufacturing, and beyond.
“People consider me intense, which might be true,” Chandrakasan said. “The reality is that I’m deeply passionate about the academic mission of MIT to create breakthrough technologies, educate the next generation of leaders, and serve the country and the world.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Research and Education
Chandrakasan earned his BS, MS, and PhD in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California, Berkeley, and joined MIT in 1994. He has maintained an active research profile as leader of the MIT Energy-Efficient Circuits and Systems Group, focusing on low-power integrated systems. He has published extensively and mentored 78 PhD students, maintaining strong ties to MIT’s academic community throughout his administrative career.
He also developed signature programs like SuperUROP, a year-long undergraduate research program, and Rising Stars, a mentoring initiative for women pursuing academic careers. His commitment to inclusive excellence has also been reflected in community-building programs launched within the School of Engineering.
Looking Ahead
As MIT prepares for its next chapter, Chandrakasan is expected to play a critical role in advancing the president’s vision for the Institute. In addition to his appointment, MIT announced that Institute Professor Paula Hammond will become executive vice provost, and Maria Yang, deputy dean of engineering, will serve as interim dean.
Chandrakasan sees opportunity on the horizon. “It’s about AI. It’s about semiconductors. It’s about quantum, biosecurity, and biomanufacturing,” he said. “But not only that — we need students who understand the human perspective and human insights. This is why collaborations between STEM fields and the humanities, arts, and social sciences are so important.”
