MIT Names Nanotech Leader to Protect Nation's Soldiers

A new leader is taking the helm of research that could revolutionize how America protects its soldiers on the battlefield.

Tomás Palacios, a professor of electrical engineering at MIT, was named director of the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies on February 4th. The Army-sponsored research center has spent over two decades developing advanced materials and devices to keep soldiers safer and more effective in the field.

Palacios brings impressive credentials to the role. As director of MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories, he's built bridges between universities, companies, and government agencies to turn scientific breakthroughs into technologies people can actually use.

The institute focuses on creating next-generation capabilities at the tiniest scales imaginable. Researchers work on everything from protective materials that can stop bullets more effectively to sensors that help soldiers detect threats faster.

"Our mission is to help protect and empower those who defend our nation," Palacios says. He emphasizes that fundamental research must translate into real-world impact quickly, what he calls "the speed of relevance."

Palacios has already proven he can deliver on that promise. He's co-founded three technology companies that have commercialized research discoveries, making them available to both military and civilian users.

His research on advanced semiconductors and electronic materials has earned him international recognition. These tiny components power everything from high-frequency electronics to energy systems that could make military operations more efficient and sustainable.

The Ripple Effect

The work happening at ISN doesn't just benefit soldiers. Many technologies developed for military protection eventually make their way into civilian life, improving safety gear for first responders, creating better medical devices, and advancing energy-efficient electronics that reduce environmental impact.

The institute's collaborative approach brings together experts from across MIT with partners at Lincoln Laboratory, the U.S. Army, and private companies. This team science approach speeds up the journey from laboratory bench to battlefield deployment.

Palacios takes over from John Joannopoulos, who led the institute for nearly 20 years until his death in August 2025. Joannopoulos built a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and helped launch companies like WiTricity, which develops wireless charging technology now used in consumer products.

MIT's Vice President for Research Ian Waitz praised Palacios for his "rare ability to build strong research communities" and his deep commitment to serving both MIT and the nation.

The appointment comes at a critical time when rapid technological advances require equally rapid innovation in defense capabilities. With Palacios at the helm, the institute is positioned to push the boundaries of what's possible in nanotechnology while ensuring discoveries reach the people who need them most.