UL Research Institutes has appointed Elena Zinchenko, Ed.D., as vice president and chief program development officer, a newly created position focused on expanding strategic partnerships, securing external funding, and increasing the organization’s global research impact.
Zinchenko will lead the design and implementation of initiatives, partnerships, and funding strategies intended to support ULRI’s safety science mission and broaden the reach of its research programs.
“Elena brings a strong track record of building impactful programs and partnerships that translate science into meaningful outcomes,” said James J. Hudgens, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UL Research Institutes. “Her program development and partnership leadership will strengthen our ability to prevent harm and save lives through safety science research excellence.”
In the role, Zinchenko will oversee the development of new partnership opportunities, guide sponsor engagement strategies, and support the commercialization of research through structured business planning, including the strategic use of ULRI intellectual property.
Zinchenko joins ULRI after serving as assistant provost for research at the University of Chicago, where she rebuilt the university’s large-proposal enterprise and significantly expanded its research development capabilities.
She brings more than 15 years of experience in program development, strategic partnerships, and external funding within research environments. Her work has included building institution-scale collaborations and translating scientific capabilities into funded, multi-partner programs across federal, philanthropic, and commercial sectors.
Zinchenko received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her doctorate from Harvard University. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago.
The appointment forms part of ULRI’s efforts to strengthen research development and partnership activity as it looks to scale safety science programs and accelerate the application of research outcomes.
