Christopher Cramer

Chief Research Officer at UL Research Institutes

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

Interests/Goals include: Safety science; Development of faculty & staff for a robust research enterprise; Sustainable models for support of research and technology development and commercialization; Modeling sustainable chemistry and chemical processes

Experience

  • UL Research Institutes (Evanston, Illinois, United States · Hybrid)
    • Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer
      Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

      The Chief Research Officer (CRO) of UL Research Institutes (ULRI) is a visionary scientific leader responsible for shaping and directing the organization’s research agenda across multiple institutes. This role ensures that UL Research Institutes remain at the forefront of scientific discovery and innovation in service of public safety and societal well-being. The CRO fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and impact, guiding research priorities, promoting interdisciplinary synergy, and serving as the scientific and brand ambassador of the organization. Reporting to the President and CEO of ULRI, the CRO works closely with the Chief Program Development Officer to secure external funding and develop strategic partnerships, and collaborates with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer to design and build state-of-the-art research facilities that enable world-class scientific work.

    • Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer
      Jun 2021 - Oct 2025 · 4 yrs 5 mos

    • Interim President
      Jan 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • University of Minnesota (34 yrs)
    • Distinguished McKnight University Professor Emeritus
      Jun 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 1 mo

    • Vice President for Research
      Nov 2018 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Faculty
      Jul 1992 - Jun 2021 · 29 yrs

  • Captain at US Army
    1988 - 1992 · 4 yrs

    Researcher/Chemical Officer -- diverse tactical and operational assignments