Michael Pazzani, UC Riverside vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development, has been appointed to the Defense Science Board, a Department of Defense advisory committee.

The board provides top federal officials, including the Secretary of Defense, with independent advice and recommendations on science, technology, manufacturing and other issues relevant to the department. Its roughly 50 members, who include retired military, government, and industry leaders, meet quarterly.

“They were looking for someone with a background in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Department of Defense funding, and government experience,” said Pazzani, a professor of computer science and engineering. “I fit all the criteria.”

His appointment took effect this month. He will attend his first meeting in early summer.

Pazzani announced last month that he will retire as vice chancellor in April after six years overseeing the division.

“It’s ideal timing for me,” he said. “It will keep me active in research policy.”

Pazzani joined UCR in 2012 after a seven-year tenure as vice president of Research and Economic Development at Rutgers University.

He’s also served as director of the Information and Intelligent Systems Division at the National Science Foundation, and chief executive officer and co-founder of software firm AdaptiveInfo. Pazzani was chair of information and computer science at UC Irvine from 1995 to 2000 and a professor at the campus from 1988 to 2005.