What We Do
We are building University infrastructure and partnerships to help Columbians leverage scholarly knowledge to benefit the public good.
About the Vice Provost for the Fourth Purpose and Strategic Impact
Samuel K. Sia, who joined the Columbia faculty in 2005, is a biotech scholar and entrepreneur. He has collaborated extensively with colleagues across engineering and in public health, medicine, and business.
University Partners
Fourth Purpose News
President Bollinger Appoints Fourth Purpose Task Force
President Bollinger appoints two task forces to develop recommendations for how to address climate change and achieve our Fourth Purpose.
Fourth Purpose Report Released
President Bollinger shares the Fourth Purpose Task Force's report and recommendations, which include creation of a new office.
Vice Provost Appointed
Samuel Sia, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, is appointed Vice Provost for the Fourth Purpose and Strategic Impact.