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Ongoing leadership of NSERC

News release

November 23, 2018

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Digvir S. Jayas as its Interim President, on a part-time basis, for the period November 8, 2018 to November 7, 2019 (or until such time as a new President is appointed, whichever occurs first). Dr. Jayas is committed to working closely with NSERC’s executive team for continued leadership leading up to the appointment of a new President.

Dr. Jayas has appointed Dr. Marc Fortin, Vice-President of Research Partnerships, as Chief Operating Officer of NSERC—to be responsible for all aspects of the agency's daily operations and for routinely reporting to the Interim President—effective immediately.  

Dr. Jayas currently holds the position of Vice-President (Research and International) and is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba. He has been a member of the NSERC Council for more than four years and has served on a number of its committees. Dr. Jayas has received many awards in recognition of his research and professional contributions.

Dr. Fortin has held senior positions leading research organizations in academia (for 16 years) and government (for 13 years). At NSERC, Dr. Fortin has led the development of policies, strategies and programs designed to support research partnerships across organizations and disciplines to generate benefits for Canada and Canadians.

NSERC’s next President will be selected through the Governor in Council appointment process. Once that process is complete, the appointment will be made public on the Orders in Council website.

NSERC thanks its former President, Dr. B. Mario Pinto, for his dedication in advancing science and innovation in Canada and abroad during his service.