Senate Confirms Arati Prabhakar as OSTP Director

Arati Prabhakar has received the Senate’s approval to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy. President Joe Biden nominated her as OSTP director in June to replace Eric Landers, who resigned after admitting that he disrespected his staff and violated workplace policy. She previously served as director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, FedScoop reported.

Prabhakar led DARPA from July 2012 to January 2017 and NIST from 1993 to 1997. She was the first woman to hold the director role at the science and technology agency.

Prabhakar most recently served as CEO of Actuate. She also held leadership positions at other private companies, including Raychem, Interval Research and U.S. Venture Partners.

Alondra Nelson, who was the acting OSTP director, said Prabhakar’s confirmation “is a testament to her sterling track record of leadership and innovation stewardship, as well as her extensive expertise in science and technology policy.”

The new director will focus on some priorities of the Biden administration, including scientific research and development, emerging technologies, climate and energy solutions and economic security. Under the newly signed CHIPS and Science Act, Prabhakar can form a working group that coordinates initiatives in key technology areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

According to the White House, part of her responsibilities is to serve as chief adviser to President Joe Biden on science and technology matters.