Brian Southwell named chair of RTI Fellow Program

Southwell to lead program fostering scientific innovation, mentorship, and collaboration at RTI 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, today announced that Brian Southwell, Ph.D., Distinguished Fellow and lead scientist for public understanding of science, was selected as chair of the RTI Fellow Program. In this role, he will set the strategic direction for the program to achieve its mission: to build a better global future by conducting high-impact research, mentoring the next generation of scientific leaders and fostering the culture of inclusive and innovative science at RTI. 

Southwell’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process that included panel interviews and vision statement evaluation from multiple qualified candidates. He succeeds Eric Otto Johnson, Ph.D., who now serves as RTI’s chief science officer. 

“I am thrilled by Brian's appointment as the new Chair of the RTI Fellow Program,” said Johnson. “His commitment to scientific excellence, keen understanding of communicating science with the public and vision for leveraging the deep expertise of RTI's Fellows will drive a new chapter of success in innovative science at RTI.” 

Southwell has spent 15 years at RTI leading projects and teams and has an exemplary record of advancing science communication nationally. He serves on the Standing Committee for Advancing Science Communication for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and contributes to the Building Trust in Health Science through Community Partnership and Living Experience Action Collaborative for the National Academy of Medicine. 

“For a quarter of a century, the RTI Fellow Program has helped ensure support for RTI staff who connect the tremendous work of our institute with academic literature and communities across the world,” Southwell said. “I am honored to have this new opportunity to spotlight the work of my colleagues who continue to help us see what is possible as we pursue science for the benefit of society.” 

Southwell plans to amplify the program’s impact by deepening connections between Fellows and staff, expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and positioning the program as a catalyst for scientific innovation and thought leadership. 

The RTI Fellow Program sponsors distinguished scientists who advance RTI’s mission. They conduct and support research that improves the human condition, mentor early-career scientists and help build scientific stature across the institute. Collectively, RTI Fellows have authored thousands of peer-reviewed articles and books, contributed to policy discussions and strengthened RTI’s reputation for scientific excellence.

Learn more about the RTI Fellow Program

In-depth with Brian Southwell: Improving society by bridging the gap between science and everyday life