UL Research Institutes announced the appointment of Elena Zinchenko, Ed.D., as vice president and chief program development officer in a newly created position aimed at accelerating external funding, expanding strategic partnerships, and scaling research impact across the organization.

Zinchenko will lead the design and rollout of ULRI initiatives, partnerships, and funding approaches to broaden the group's global presence. She offers deep expertise in program development, stakeholder engagement, and mission-focused innovation.

"Elena brings a strong track record of building impactful programs and partnerships that translate science into meaningful outcomes," said James J. Hudgens, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for UL Research Institutes. "Her program development and partnership leadership will strengthen our ability to prevent harm and save lives through safety science research excellence."

Zinchenko will manage new partnership opportunities, shape sponsor engagement plans, and advance research commercialization via structured business planning, including strategic application of ULRI intellectual property.

Most recently, Zinchenko served as assistant provost for research at the University of Chicago, where she rebuilt the institution's large-proposal enterprise and greatly expanded its research development capabilities. She brings more than 15 years of experience in program development, strategic partnerships, and external funding within research settings. She has a proven record of forming large-scale institutional collaborations and converting scientific strengths into funded, multi-partner programs across federal, philanthropic, and commercial sectors.

Zinchenko earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and her doctorate from Harvard University. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago.

About UL Research Institutes UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through safety science. Building on the UL legacy of working for a safer world since 1894, ULRI conducts rigorous, independent research, drawing on expertise across fire safety, electrochemical safety, chemical insights, materials discovery, digital safety, and research experiences and education, to prevent harm and save lives. ULRI publishes its findings openly and works to guide standards bodies, policymakers, and communities in translating scientific insight into decisions, behaviors, standards, and systems that protect infrastructure and people.

Discover more at UL.org.

Correction: The logo for this release has been updated.

SOURCE UL Research Institutes