Passing the Reins

Meghan O’Sullivan to Become Next Belfer Center Director

On July 1, Meghan O’Sullivan, Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, will become Director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. She will take the reins from Eric Rosenbach, Co-Director of the Center since 2017.

Since her arrival at the Belfer Center in 2008, O’Sullivan has taught Harvard Kennedy School courses, headed the Center’s Geopolitics of Energy Project, and expanded her research in geopolitics and policy. Her scholarship on the impact of significant changes in the energy system—from advances in technology to extract oil and gas to the global move away from carbon-intensive fuels—has shaped how policymakers and academics alike view these issues.

As Belfer Center Director, O’Sullivan will direct the Center and its research teams that focus on issues ranging from nuclear, cyber, and energy security to climate change, diplomatic challenges, and the changing global order. She will also continue her teaching and researching on vital issues related to geopolitics and the energy transition.

“I am honored to lead the Center and follow in the footsteps of intellectual giants like Ash Carter and Graham Allison and to work with Belfer’s phenomenal faculty, staff, and students on the world’s toughest problems,” O’Sullivan said when her appointment was announced. “I am also grateful for the extraordinary leadership of Eric Rosenbach, who has been the backbone of the Center for many years.”

In announcing O’Sullivan’s appointment, Harvard Kennedy School Dean Doug Elmendorf said, “Meghan will bring to this new role extraordinary expertise and experience in global affairs as well as a deep commitment to the learning of students at the Kennedy School.” Elmendorf also expressed his gratitude to Eric Rosenbach “for all he has done as Co-Director of the Belfer Center.”

“It was a privilege to lead the Center with such a fantastic group of people over the past six years,” Rosenbach said. “The Center is a special place that has real impact, and I look forward to spending more time teaching and running a project that will develop U.S. security strategy for key areas of emerging technology.”

In a Q&A for this newsletter, O’Sullivan shares her thoughts on Belfer Center effectiveness and her hopes to continue building on the Center’s impact when she becomes director.

FEATURED IN THE SPRING 2023 NEWSLETTER