C. Vivek Lal, M.D.C. Vivek Lal, M.D., tenured professor (Oct ‘25) in the Department of Pediatrics, has been named executive in residence of the Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HIIE). Lal’s appointment marks the beginning of a partnership between HIIE and the Heersink School of Medicine that will allow both entities an avenue to better serve patients.

“It’s both an honor and a responsibility,” said Lal. “To me, this role represents a bridge between academic excellence and entrepreneurial execution. Heersink has a rich tradition of research and discovery, and being entrusted with the opportunity to help increase the translation of that innovation into real-world impact is deeply meaningful. It means serving as a catalyst and role model for faculty, students, and innovators who want to see their ideas reach patients and society through HIIE.

“We see this partnership as a meaningful step toward strengthening our connections with the Heersink School of Medicine faculty,” said Kathy Nugent, Ph.D., senior associate vice president and chief biotechnology and innovation officer. “I see Dr. Lal helping establish connections with clinical faculty as well as mentoring our nascent startups. His mentorship will be valuable by providing informed perspectives on strategies and solutions they could adopt. This role should lead to an increase in startups as well as an increase in engagement with our office."

“Dr. Lal brings a rare combination of clinical insight, research excellence, and entrepreneurial vision,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the Heersink School of Medicine. “His appointment as executive in residence reflects our commitment to shaping the future of medicine through innovation. This partnership with the HIIE is a strategic step in advancing our mission to support faculty, improve patient outcomes, and translate discovery into real-world impact. I’m confident Dr. Lal’s leadership will inspire our faculty and trainees to pursue bold ideas that make a difference.”

As executive in residence, Lal seeks to establish an ecosystem where discoveries can achieve even greater impact. His vision means research discoveries can flourish well beyond publication, and clinical discoveries don’t simply stop at the bedside. “Specifically, I want to enable Heersink faculty to see HIIE as a trusted partner in entrepreneurship, one that helps them navigate intellectual property, funding pathways, and venture creation seamlessly,” he said. “Together, we can build a culture where innovation is not an exception but an expectation.

With such ambitious goals, Lal emphasizes that success won’t be measured solely on intentions but rather on outcomes. He aims to see a major impact on both patients and society, with an increase in the number of faculty-led startups and intellectual property disclosures, as well as more licensing and commercialization agreements. According to Lal, HIIE has spent the last decade establishing a comprehensive commercialization method for faculty innovations. “If faculty members feel empowered and supported in pursuing entrepreneurial pathways, we will know we’re succeeding.”

When it comes to fostering strong connections between Heersink and HIIE, Lal is prioritizing accessibility, education, and partnership. He aims to nurture early-stage ventures by balancing scientific rigor and entrepreneurial agility. “Early ideas need honest feedback, structured de-risking, and a supportive network,” said Lal. “At UAB, that means, through HIIE, connecting clinicians and researchers with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, while also helping them protect their IP and understand regulatory pathways. The goal is to give these ideas and ventures the best chance of thriving outside the clinic and the lab.”

Ultimately, Lal says the partnership will benefit both Heersink and HIIE. “What excites me most is the potential energy within UAB—brilliant faculty, passionate trainees, and groundbreaking science waiting to be unlocked,” he said. With Lal’s leadership, the collaboration aims to harness that energy, turning ideas into impact and further solidifying UAB’s reputation as a national leader in academic entrepreneurship.