Augusta University to Appoint Research Chief in 2027

Neuroscience expert Phillip Popovich will oversee research and innovation beginning February 1, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a glass beaker on a desk in a simplified research lab, representing university institutional leadership. — Augusta University has appointed Phillip Popovich, a noted neuroscience expert, as its new executive vice president for research and innovation, effective February 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Augusta University has selected Phillip Popovich to serve as its new executive vice president for research and innovation. He is scheduled to officially assume the leadership role on February 1, 2027, following a national search.

Why it matters

The appointment brings a seasoned administrator to Augusta University to lead its growing research enterprise. Popovichs background in managing large-scale brain and spinal cord research is expected to bolster the institutions academic and scientific profile.

Popovichs previous center managed more than $100 million in externally funded research with a staff of over 45 people. In 2018, he also secured a $10 million gift to establish the Belford Center.

The players

Phillip Popovich

He is a prominent researcher currently chairing the Department of Neuroscience at The Ohio State University.

Augusta University

This is a public research university located in Augusta, Georgia, that serves as the site for the new appointment.

University System of Georgia Board of Regents

This body oversees the governance of public higher education institutions in Georgia and must approve the Eminent Scholar appointment.

The details

Popovich currently chairs the Department of Neuroscience and directs the Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair at The Ohio State University, a center he established in 2006. He is also slated to become a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar pending final approval from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Phillip Popovich established the Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair in 2006.
A $10 million gift was secured by Popovich in 2018.
Popovich assumed an enterprise-level research leadership role at Ohio State in 2025.
Popovich begins his new role at Augusta University on February 1, 2027.

Market Landscape

This appointment follows the recruitment patterns established by the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar program to attract elite scientific talent to state institutions. The move positions Augusta University to compete more aggressively for large-scale external research grants.

The transition in leadership marks a potential change in the long-term research strategy for the university. This will influence future academic programs and the growth of research infrastructure available to the local community.

The takeaway

Large universities often recruit established research directors to increase their federal and private grant funding success. This hiring trend highlights the ongoing competition among academic institutions to secure leaders with proven track records in fundraising and innovation.