Two finalists have been selected for the position of University of Iowa vice president for Research. The candidates will be revealed the day before holding public forums on campus in the next two weeks, the UI announced on Thursday.

The forums will be held in 166 IMU on Feb. 14, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Feb. 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., respectively.

While on campus, the candidates will interact with faculty, staff, and student leaders. UI President Bruce Harreld will make the final decision based off of the forums.

The search committee tasked with hiring a new vice president for Research was established in May 2018 after Daniel Reed relocated to the University of Utah. He had announced his departure in fall 2017.

Since then, John Keller, dean of the Graduate College and associate provost for graduate and professional education, has temporarily filled the role as interim vice president for Research. During his time in the role, the office has split its research and economic-development functions and hired a new chief innovation officer.