Cornell University has named Dr. Gary Koretzky ’78 as its new vice provost for research, giving him permanent oversight of research efforts across several campuses.
The appointment covers Cornell’s Ithaca, Cornell Tech and AgriTech campuses and took effect Dec. 15. Koretzky had been serving in the role on an interim basis since February.
Provost Kavita Bala said Koretzky provided steady leadership during a turbulent period for academic research, particularly as federal support has shifted.
“Over this last year, Gary has worked tirelessly to sustain and advance Cornell’s research excellence in countless ways through a time of significant unpredictability in our relations with the federal government,” Bala said. “We are incredibly grateful for his dedication, experience and steady guidance.”
From interim role to permanent appointment
Koretzky came out of retirement to serve as interim vice provost for research, supporting investigators and strengthening Cornell’s research portfolio during a challenging time.
He previously served as vice provost for academic integration from 2017 to 2024, where he helped expand research collaboration between Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine and guided the university through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was honored when Provost Bala asked me to fill in as the interim vice provost for research and am thrilled now to take this on in a permanent capacity,” Koretzky said.
He praised the staff of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and said he looks forward to working with campus leaders to support research across disciplines.
Overseeing research across campuses
As vice provost for research, Koretzky oversees research administration for Cornell’s Ithaca, Roosevelt Island and Geneva campuses. His portfolio includes more than 30 multidisciplinary research facilities, laboratories, institutes and centers.
During his interim tenure, he worked with faculty and staff to respond to changes in government research funding. The office launched new programs to help faculty diversify their research portfolios.
In summer, Koretzky oversaw the renewal of a 10-year, $10 million NYSTAR grant and supported a new National Science Foundation-funded program linking artificial intelligence and materials science. He also worked with the Graduate School to expand the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, set to launch in January.
A long career in research leadership
Koretzky is a professor emeritus of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and of microbiology and immunology at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He previously served as dean of the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences and vice dean of research for Weill Cornell Medicine.
His earlier work helped generate more than $50 million in funding for collaborations between Ithaca-based researchers and Weill Cornell Medicine. He also founded the Cornell Center for Immunology.
Koretzky earned his medical degree and doctorate in immunology from the University of Pennsylvania. He later served on the faculties of the University of Iowa and the University of Pennsylvania before joining Weill Cornell Medicine.
He has led several national scientific organizations and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].