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The History of Research & Innovation at the U

For more than 175 years, the University of Utah has been a national and global leader in bringing solutions to society’s greatest challenges.

From the world’s first permanent artificial heart transplant, to pioneering the foundations of modern computer animation, to research that shaped a highly effective HIV prevention therapy, the U has long been at the epicenter of discovery and innovation. These breakthroughs have changed lives, advanced science and technology, and strengthened Utah’s economy — reinforcing a legacy of research that continues to evolve.

Visionary Leaders of U Research

The evolution of research at the University of Utah is closely tied to the leaders who championed new ideas, strengthened the research infrastructure, and built the foundations for today’s innovation ecosystem. From the earliest days of the role through the present, each Vice President for Research has guided the university through new opportunities and challenges, expanding our capabilities and deepening our impact. Their collective leadership continues to shape the U’s research trajectory and the collaborative, discovery-driven community we are today.

 

1966-1979 — William Partridge
1979-1990 — James J. Brophy
1992-2001 — Richard K. Koehn
2001-2007 — Raymond F. Gesteland 
2008-2016 — Thomas Parks
2016-2021 — Andrew Weyrich 
2023-Present — Erin Rothwell

William Partridge, 1966-1979

In 1968, Dr. Partridge became the first Vice President for Research when the OVPR was established, overseeing bringing numerous research contracts to the university and helping the U become one of the premier research programs in the country.

James J. Brophy, 1979-1990

Richard K. Koehn, 1992-2001

An entrepreneur himself, Dr. Koehn is credited for modernizing the position of VPR during his tenure in the 1990s, helping expand the university's support for, and visibility of, startup companies that emerged from the U.

Raymond F. Gesteland, 2001-2007

Raymond F. Gesteland, 2001-2007

Raymond F. Gesteland, 2001-2007

Erin Rothwell

Erin Rothwell, 2023-Present

Dr. Rothwell is continuing the legacy of her VPR predecessors by building a research ecosystem rooted in creativity, collaboration, and discovery; one that empowers researchers and advances innovation across the university.

Horizontal timeline. Use left and right arrow keys to scroll through items.

1850

The University of Utah is founded as the University of Deseret

First published book. "A Primer and First Reader of Vocal Music" by Evan Stephans from the Department of Music.

First published paper. "Elementary Science in the Public Schools" by Henry Montgomery.

One of the first U Research locations – Physical and Chemical Laboratory.

1894-Physical-and-Chem-library
patent-small-1921

The earliest U of U patent - A prototype of a folding cot from researcher George Coray.

NIH awards its first-ever research grant to Maxwell Wintrobe to study muscular dystrophy.

1946-wintrobe

The Office of Cooperative Research is established to promote U of U research.

The Office of Technology Transfer is established to assist faculty researchers with patents and technologies now referred to as the Technology Licensing Office.

1968

The Office of the Vice President for Research is established. The first VP for Research is William Partridge.

Research Park is developed.

1968
1969

U of U becomes the fourth node on the ARPANET that evolved into the Internet and World Wide Web.

The University of Utah Research Foundation is founded.

The Utah Population Database is created.

The University of Utah Hospital performs the world’s first permanent artificial heart transplant.

1982

The BRCA1 breast cancer gene is successfully cloned by U researchers.

University of Utah reaches 100 spinout companies.

2007

Mario Capecchi receives the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for his research in gene targeting in mouse embryo-derived stem cells.

U of U is recognized as #1 in Technology Commercialization.

The U reaches over $500M in Sponsored Project Awards.

University of Utah joins the Association of American Universities.

2019

U Researchers: Trailblazers of Yesterday, 
Visionaries of Today

The University of Utah’s research story has always been driven by people who push boundaries. The trailblazers of our past built the foundation for a university known for bold ideas and transformative discoveries. Today, researchers across campus continue that tradition with new approaches, new collaborations, and new visions for impact. Together, they form a continuum of innovation that defines the U — past, present, and future.

Maxwell Wintrobe

Maxwell Wintrobe

Maxwell Wintrobe — A world-renowned hematologist, Dr. Wintrobe made history in 1948 when he was awarded the National Institutes of Health’s first ever research grant, which focused on studying muscular dystrophy and other hereditary and metabolic disorders.

Lona Mosk Packer

Lona Mosk Packer

Best known for her groundbreaking work on 19th century poet Christina Rossetti, Packer, assistant professor of English, was the first U of U faculty member to win fellowships from the American Council of Learned Sciences in 1960 and the Guggenheim Foundation in 1965.  

Mario Capecchi

Mario Capecchi

The highest honor one of our U of U researchers has ever received, Dr. Capecchi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 2007 for his research in gene targeting in mouse embryo-derived stem cells. 

Wes Sundquist

Wes Sundquist

In 2025, Dr. Sundquist was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his lab’s research that led to a highly effective drug that prevents HIV infections: Lenacapavir. 

From Idea to Reality

Research at the University of Utah has always been about turning ideas into something real — something useful, tangible, and meaningful. Across generations, faculty and students have pushed discovery forward and created solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and open new possibilities for the future.

Discoveries and Inventions

From early prototypes and lab breakthroughs to patented technologies, the U’s history is filled with ideas that became practical tools and new ways of solving problems. These inventions have shaped medicine, computing, energy, materials, and countless other fields — reflecting the curiosity and creativity that drive our research community.

Explore Inventions

Startups & Economic Growth

Over the years, many companies have taken shape from ideas developed at the University of Utah. These ventures grew out of curiosity, experimentation, and a desire to solve real problems. They’ve introduced new products, created opportunities, and helped strengthen Utah’s innovation economy — showing what happens when a research idea becomes something the world can use.

U-founded Startups