NYU Abu Dhabi has announced the appointment of biologist and academic leader Fabio Piano as its new Vice Chancellor, marking a return to one of the institution's most senior leadership roles after helping shape the university during its formative years.
A scientist in genomics, systems biology, chemical genetics, and developmental biology, Piano has been closely associated with NYU for decades. As one of the architects of NYUAD's academic vision, Piano served as the university's Provost from 2010 to 2020 after participating in its planning committees before the campus opened.
It is a privilege to lead a community that I have been part of since its earliest days. NYU Abu Dhabi was founded on the belief that a university rooted in Abu Dhabi, connected to the world, and committed to excellence in education and research could make a meaningful contribution to society.
Before assuming the role permanently, Piano served as Interim Vice Chancellor, during which he helped advance several significant institutional milestones. Under his leadership, NYUAD launched the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi, welcoming its inaugural MBA cohort and celebrating its first convocation ceremony, while also reinforcing the university's role as a regional hub for thought leadership through initiatives such as the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative's symposium on the evolution of strategic philanthropy in the MENA region.
During his decade as provost, he oversaw the creation of more than 24 accredited undergraduate majors and programs across the university's four academic divisions, launched global PhD initiatives and the institution's first master's program. As provost then, Piano established NYUAD into an exceptional model of higher education recognized for its global diversity, its selectivity in student and faculty recruitment, and for involving students in high-impact research. NYUAD reached the highest per capita number of Rhodes Scholars of any university and was recognized by the Nature Index for high-impact research under his leadership.
In recognition of his contributions, NYUAD established the Piano Prize in 2021, an annual award presented to an outstanding graduating senior.
Piano’s ties to NYU stretch back more than four decades. He arrived in 1985 as an international undergraduate, earning his BA, MS, MPhil, and PhD here as well. He returned to the faculty following a Damon Runyon–Walter Winchell fellowship at Cornell, acquired early tenure, and continues to teach and publish across genomics, engineering, and drug discovery.
He spent over a decade as founding Director of NYU’s Center for Genomics and Systems Biology before heading to Abu Dhabi. With a small team of dedicated colleagues, he designed and built the center into a premier research hub that has helped to recruit or retain four members of the National Academy of Sciences.
His research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of living systems using C. elegans and related nematodes. Throughout his career, he has led and contributed to major research initiatives supported by the US National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, among others. More recently, he has also played an active role in public health research, including COVID-19 response efforts.
His appointment as Vice Chancellor brings back a leader who has played a defining role in NYUAD’s growth and reflects the university's continued emphasis on academic excellence, research, and global engagement.
