The Honorable Sethuraman Panchanathan is a computer scientist and engineer. He is a leader in the fields of science, engineering, and education, with more than three decades of experience in higher education and government. Throughout his career, he has designed and built knowledge enterprises aimed at advancing research innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, global development, and economic growth.

From 2020 to 2025, Panchanathan served as the 15th director of the US National Science Foundation (NSF), a $9 billion independent federal agency and the only government agency charged with advancing all fields of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and STEM education. During his tenure, he established the first new directorate in 31 years - the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships – aimed at delivering "Innovation Everywhere for Everyone" by accelerating the translation of science and technology for economic progress, national security, and societal impact.

Panchanathan currently serves as the university professor of technology and innovation at Arizona State University, where he has held a faculty appointment since 1997. His previous roles at ASU include leading the university's research portfolio as the executive vice president of the ASU Knowledge Enterprise and the chief research and innovation officer. Under his leadership, ASU increased its research performance fivefold, earning recognition as the fastest-growing and most innovative research university in the US.

Panchanathan has received numerous recognitions for his scientific work during his career; in 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the Government of India, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to science. He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors, as well as a member of the National Academy of Engineering. In April 2026, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego appointed him to lead the Phoenix Quantum Strategy to unite government, industry, and academia to accelerate development in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.

Panchanathan received his PhD in electrical and computing engineering from the University of Ottawa. He is married to Sarada "Soumya" Panchanathan, an academic pediatrician and informatician, who has taught medical students, pediatric residents, and informatics fellows. They have two adult children, Amritha and Roshan, and three grandchildren.