February 17th, 2026  

The University of Utah today announced the appointment of Jamie P. Dwyer, MD as Executive Associate Vice President of Research and Interim Chief Innovation Officer, a newly elevated leadership role that reflects the continued growth, scale, and national impact of the University’s innovation ecosystem. 

Dr. Dwyer will oversee the University’s innovation and commercialization enterprise, including the Technology Licensing Office, Utah Venture Hub, and related industry engagement activities. His appointment builds on the strong foundation established in recent years and aligns with the University’s long-term vision to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into societal and economic impact. 

“Dr. Dwyer brings a systems-level view of innovation that reflects how discovery moves into impact,” said Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research at the University of Utah. “Strategy 2030 calls for tighter integration across research and commercialization, and his leadership will help the University take that next step.” 

The appointment reflects the continued evolution of the University’s innovation infrastructure as commercialization, startup activity, and industry partnerships have expanded in scale and complexity. Over the past decade, the University of Utah has emerged as a national leader in research commercialization and startup formation, with university innovations driving company creation, job growth, and long-term economic impact. This sustained success reflects a mature innovation ecosystem and aligns closely with the Vice President for Research strategy’s focus on impact-driven research, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration. 

Experienced Leader at the Intersection of Research, Innovation, and Impact 

Dr. Dwyer currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Clinical Research at University of Utah Health and Director of the Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC), where he has led large, complex, multi-center research programs and overseen clinical trials funded by federal, philanthropic, and industry sponsors. A physician-scientist and innovation leader, Dwyer brings decades of experience working at the intersection of academia, healthcare systems and delivery, entrepreneurship, and regulatory science. 

Throughout his career, Dwyer has translated academic discoveries into real-world impact, founding and scaling companies based on university intellectual property and working closely with investors, regulators, and industry partners. His experience spans technology development, clinical validation, and commercialization, giving him a practical understanding of how ideas move from research environments into products, and companies. 

Dwyer has worked extensively with the University’s Technology Licensing Office both as an inventor and as a company founder, giving him firsthand experience with technology transfer from multiple perspectives. This background enables him to understand the needs of faculty innovators, startups, and external partners, and to strengthen the systems that support commercialization and entrepreneurship. 

“What works as a pilot project does not always work at enterprise scale,” Dwyer said. “The University of Utah has reached a point where innovation requires coordinated strategy, clear pathways, and operational excellence. I’m excited to work with faculty, students, staff, and partners to build on what’s already strong and help ensure discoveries move efficiently from research to real-world impact.” 

Building on Momentum 

Dwyer succeeds Bruce Hunter, whose leadership helped strengthen the University’s commercialization infrastructure during a period of rapid growth and who was recently appointed Chief Innovation Officer at Tecnológico de Monterrey. The transition reflects the increasing integration of licensing, startup development, and innovation strategy as the University’s innovation ecosystem continues to mature.  

“Jamie brings deep credibility and a clear understanding of how innovation works at scale,” said Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Utah. “He understands both the systems and the people behind them, and he’s well positioned to build on the strong foundation already in place.” 

In his new role, Dwyer will focus on strengthening pathways from discovery to commercialization, supporting faculty and founders as they move ideas toward real-world application, and deepening partnerships with industry. His work will also emphasize aligning innovation efforts with the University’s research priorities and broader economic development goals. Dr. James Hotaling will continue as Associate Vice President of Research Innovation and Translation and support commercialization alongside his new role leading innovation in the health system.  

The University of Utah’s innovation enterprise supports advances across technology, energy, health and disease, and other sectors, while contributing to workforce development and regional economic growth. 

“This role is about momentum,” Rothwell added. “Our innovation ecosystem is growing, and this leadership ensures we can support that growth strategically, sustainably and in alignment with the University’s mission.” 

Media Contact: Amanda Ashley amanda.ashley@utah.edu 

About the University of Utah 

The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

About the Technology Licensing Office & Utah Venture Hub 

The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office (TLO) and Utah Venture Hub (UVH) work together to accelerate commercialization of university innovations. As a leader in technology transfer, the TLO manages intellectual property and supports researchers in transforming discoveries into real-world solutions. The UVH provides resources for faculty entrepreneurs, startups, and investors to build successful venture-backable companies. Together, they help bridge the gap from research to market and drive economic growth. 

About the Data Coordinating Center 

The University of Utah Data Coordinating Center (Utah DCC) is a full-service academic research organization that operates a clinical and data coordinating center for research studies, from design and management to execution and analysis. Its missions is to harness the power of collaboration, to advance science, move society, and benefit humanity. The Utah DCC provides services such as data management, biostatistics, project management, IT expertise, and support for decentralized trials and digital health solutions, serving investigators and sponsors across academia, government, and industry.