J-WAFS appoints Daniela Giardina in the role of executive director

In a significant development, Daniela Giardina has been named the new Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Giardina will be taking over from Renee Robins, who is retiring after leading J-WAFS since its launch in 2014.

Giardina, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience working with nongovernmental organizations and research institutions on humanitarian and development projects, is inspired by the lab's legacy and looks forward to working with Rohit Karnik and the J-WAFS staff.

Karnik, who has been named the director of J-WAFS, succeeding John Lienhard, will work closely with Giardina to drive J-WAFS' mission and impact. Karnik's leadership will be instrumental in shaping programs, strategy, and goals for the lab.

Giardina holds a PhD in sustainable development from the University of Brescia in Italy and is a chartered engineer since 2005. She served as the vice chair of the Boston Network for International Development before joining J-WAFS. Prior to her time at J-WAFS, Giardina led the International Potato Center (CIP).

Robins, who graduated from MIT with dual bachelor's degrees in biology and humanities/anthropology, and later earned a master's degree in public policy from Carnegie Mellon University, has served over 23 years at MIT. She played a pivotal role in building J-WAFS from the ground up and has inspired a diverse range of researchers, cultivating a vibrant community at J-WAFS.

Under Robins' leadership, J-WAFS has distributed nearly $26 million in grants, fellowships, and awards to the MIT community. J-WAFS-funded researchers have achieved tangible, real-time solutions and results, including launching 13 startups and receiving over $25 million in follow-on funding.

The Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) fuels research, innovation, and collaboration to solve global water and food systems challenges. Since its inception, J-WAFS has been at the forefront of addressing these critical issues, with funding opportunities open to researchers in every MIT department, lab, and center, spanning all disciplines.

As the new Executive Director, Giardina will supervise J-WAFS staff, manage grant administration, and oversee and advise on financial decisions. She will also play a strategic leadership role in shaping Oxfam's global disaster risk reduction strategy and representing the organization at high-level U.N. and academic forums.

With Giardina's appointment, J-WAFS continues to push the boundaries of innovation in water and food systems research, poised to make a significant impact in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.