Steven E. Hyman, the director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and a former Harvard Medical School professor, will be named the University’s new provost this afternoon, pending the approval of the Harvard Corporation.

The University confirmed yesterday that Hyman’s selection would be presented to the Corporation today.

University President Lawrence H. Summers has chosen Hyman to fill a vacancy left in Harvard’s top ranks after Harvey V. Fineberg ’67 stepped down as provost in June.

The selection of Hyman from NIMH means that both Summers and now his deputy spent long periods away from Harvard prior to their appointments.

Currently Associate Provost Dennis F. Thompson has been filling the position of acting provost. Hyman said he hoped to assume his post as soon as six weeks from now.

“I see this as a very, very wonderful opportunity,” Hyman said. “I had a wonderful experience at NIMH applying science to pressing policy matters, but I missed interacting with students.”

Hyman first came to Harvard as a medical school student in 1976. In 1989 he became an assistant professor of psychiatry. Four years later he rose to become an associate professor. He was also director of research in the department of psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The modern position of provost at Harvard was only created a decade ago by then-University President Neil L. Rudenstine. The position’s definition has been evolving ever since.

Summers has wide latitude to redefine the provost’s duties, but Hyman said that he and Summers have not made plans to radically change the position.

But Hyman also mentioned new areas that for the first time will be part of the provost’s portfolio.

Since assuming office, Summers has been vocal about science’s importance to the University, giving the subject a prominent mention in his Oct. 12 installation address.

A distinguished neuroscientist, Hyman said that he will focus on bringing about a reevaluation of undergraduate science education.

Hyman said he believes that even non-science concentrators need more basic scientific awareness—an initiative that he plans to join Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles in addressing.

“I’d very much like to...help the community make sure we’re not leaving some undergraduates in a less than ideal position in regards to understanding some of the most important intellectual developments,” Hyman said.

Hyman also said that his role as provost, like that of his predecessors, would focus on coordinating the University’s fiercely independent schools.