Hinzman named to lead UAF research

January 20, 2016

Permafrost hydrologist and longtime professor Larry Hinzman has been selected to serve as vice chancellor for research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Hinzman has served as interim vice chancellor since March 2015.

“In my relatively short time here at UAF, it is abundantly clear that Dr. Hinzman enjoys an incredible reputation as an internationally recognized scientist, and as a gentleman and friend in our community and our state,” said interim Chancellor Mike Powers. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in supporting and advancing UAF’s vital research enterprise.”

Hinzman first came to UAF as a research technician at the Agricultural Experiment Station 34 years ago. After earning a doctorate from UAF in 1990, he joined the faculty in 1991 as an assistant research professor at the Water and Environmental Research Center in the School of Engineering. During his three decades as a researcher, he has conducted field studies in the Alaska Arctic and been a collaborator on similar work in the Russian and Canadian Arctic. He was appointed director of the UAF International Arctic Research Center in 2007. Throughout his career, Hinzman has been an advocate for national and international Arctic science partnerships, serving in leadership positions within a wide variety of global science organizations. He is currently the United States’ delegate and vice president of the International Arctic Science Committee.

“UAF leads the world in Arctic research, and our capabilities extend far beyond the North to include every continent, the world's oceans, the entire atmospheric system, the far reaches of space and deep into the Earth's mantle. Our physical, biological and social scientists, our engineers and our creative artists are renowned both throughout Alaska and nationally and internationally,” Hinzman said. “I am humbled to serve amongst them and to work with UAF's faculty, staff and students to resolve the science, engineering and policy challenges facing our state, nation and world.”

As vice chancellor for research at UAF, Hinzman will oversee the university’s $100 million research enterprise and be responsible for building on UAF’s reputation as a leader in Arctic research. With Hinzman’s departure from IARC, Hajo Eicken will serve as the center’s new director, a position he has held as interim since March 2015.

CONTACT: Marmian Grimes, 907-474-7902, mlgrimes@alaska.edu.