Temple University’s Vice President for Research Josh Gladden joined the University City Science Center’s Board of Directors following its annual shareholders meeting this past July. 

While continuing his role at Temple, Gladden brings his vast experience and expertise to the nonprofit to advance healthcare innovation, entrepreneurial activity and economic growth in Philadelphia and beyond, along with four other new members.

The Science Center has been recognized as a best-in-class investor, mentor and economic development partner for young tech companies by the Brookings Institution.

“I’m honored and excited to help lead an organization that powers progress and changes lives,” said Gladden. “It’s important to cultivate the resources and community connections necessary not only to create new products and startup companies in Philadelphia but also to nurture a diverse STEM workforce that can drive the economy forward.”

At Temple, Gladden oversees all research activities across the university, including strategic initiatives, technology transfer, research integrity and compliance, and grant administration.

Since arriving in August 2023, he has led universitywide efforts fostering and facilitating interdisciplinary research and innovative policies. In March 2024, the university opened the Innovation Nest, which commercializes new innovations from Temple researchers and sparks student innovation.

Additionally, for the past two years Temple has appeared on the National Academy of Inventors’ Top 100 U.S. Universities List, placing 81 in 2023 and receiving its highest-ever ranking in 2022 at 75. This annual ranking highlights national higher education institutions that play a significant role in advancing innovation and invention.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) supports researchers and innovators across Temple as well as external partners. Through this support, the OVPR forges pathways that impact economic development, tackles societal problems, unfurls new cross-disciplinary discoveries, and develops sustainable technologies and businesses for the next generation.

“I’m proud of the strides we’re making to expand the impact of our research enterprise,” said Gladden. “At Temple, we are committed to making new discoveries and creating new innovation for the benefit of society.” 

Gladden previously served as vice chancellor for research, director of the National Center for Physical Acoustics and professor of physics at the University of Mississippi. He holds a doctoral degree in physics from Pennsylvania State University as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in physics from the University of Montana and the University of the South, respectively.