Indiana University Research has appointed Mike Famiano as the new director for research and faculty development. He will work closely with IU researchers.

An experienced leader, Famiano has a unique blend of federal agency insight, academic leadership, and personal research achievement. As director, he will spearhead efforts to help faculty develop, manage, and strengthen their external funding portfolios; pursue prestigious national and international honors; and access internal resources that support research and creative activity.

Mike Famiano.Famiano brings experience as a program manager with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, where he oversaw $23 million in domestic radioisotope production efforts and helped manage the department’s high-impact Earthshots initiatives. He also coordinated international partnerships, negotiated inter-agency agreements, and led multi-office strategic planning across the DOE.

“Dr. Famiano understands the needs of researchers because he’s been one himself—and he understands the federal research landscape because he’s helped shape it,” IU Vice President for Research Russell J. Mumper said. “He will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build the infrastructure and culture that support world-class research at IU.”

The Office for Research Development plays a critical role in supporting faculty throughout the research lifecycle, from early career planning to prestigious awards and large-scale grant development. With Famiano’s leadership, the office will expand its programming to offer more tailored professional development and help scholars across IU more effectively navigate the competitive funding landscape.

Famiano will collaborate with university and campus leaders to design faculty development programming, develop and expand access to internal funding opportunities, promote external limited submissions programs, and support a pipeline of faculty candidates for prestigious awards. He will operate from University Library on the Indianapolis campus and will travel regularly to engage with faculty across all IU locations.

“Mike’s appointment marks an exciting next step in how IU supports faculty in achieving research excellence,” said Chris Liu, associate vice president for research development. “He brings not only deep insight into how federal funding agencies operate, but clear dedication to advancing faculty success at every stage and in every field.”

At Western Michigan University, Famiano chaired the Department of Physics and developed a strategic plan that guided faculty hiring, research direction and facility upgrades. He also led interdisciplinary research projects involving partners across three continents and launched major science outreach programs for K–12 students.

Famiano earned his Ph.D. in physics from The Ohio State University and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Michigan.

Dan Melnick is assistant director of research communications.