Chris Fall, Ph.D.

Chris Fall is vice president for applied sciences. He leads core research and development in emerging technology domains, including quantum computing, material science, synthetic biology, and space. He oversees five MITRE Labs innovation centers spanning life, physical, and health sciences; transportation; economics; acquisition; and enterprise strategy. These groups include more than 1,100 engineers, scientists, analysts, clinicians, and strategists solving critical scientific challenges for our nation.

Previously, Fall was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, the nation’s largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. He was responsible for 10 of the department’s 17 national laboratories and played a key part in the department’s investments in quantum science, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence. Fall also served as acting director of ARPA-E and led the department’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to his tenure at the Department of Energy, Fall spent seven years at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in several senior management roles, including acting chief scientist. While on detail from ONR, Fall served for three years across two administrations in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, as assistant director for defense programs and then as acting lead for the National Security and International Affairs Division.

In addition to his government service, Fall spent more than two decades in academia, where his research focused on neuroscience, systems biology, and bioengineering. He has been a faculty member or postdoctoral scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Georgetown University, New York University, the University of California at Davis, and the University of Virginia.

He also serves in advisory or board roles with the Sanford Underground Research Facility Foundation and the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, the Japan Society, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the Council on Strategic Risks.

Fall earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia, as well as an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.