Lab administration

Salleo sees strength in the big picture and minute details of the people, tools and partnerships at SLAC.

Results obtained with SLAC’s X-ray laser show how tiny magnetic coils can align over a surprisingly broad timescale, inspiring new ideas for microelectronics. 

He met with SLAC staff and toured the lab’s cutting-edge facilities, diving into world-leading research in X-ray and ultrafast science, artificial intelligence, astrophysics and more.

The role focuses on identifying and realizing opportunities and strengthening the coordination and execution of science and technology initiatives.

The physicist and former vice provost and dean of research was named Stanford’s vice president for SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

A materials scientist who specializes in superconductors, Sarrao brings a deep background in national lab leadership and the evolution of SLAC science. 

Physicist and scientific leader Sarrao will become SLAC’s sixth director and succeeds X-ray scientist Chi-Chang Kao, who stepped down after 10 years in the position.

Under his leadership, the lab diversified its research portfolio, expanded its science impact, advanced major projects, increased collaboration with Stanford and met the challenges of a global pandemic.

Under his 10-year leadership, the lab has significantly expanded its research and impact.