Lisa Kalynchuk appointed Vice-President Research

Lisa Kalynchuk has been appointed as Vice-President Research for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2019. The university announced her appointment June 10 following an international search.

“It is an honour to serve the university in this new role” says Kalynchuk. “UVic researchers are driving change at home and around the world, and I’m looking forward to advancing new synergies on campus that support their continued excellence.”

Kalynchuk joined the University of Victoria in July 2017 as the university’s associate vice-president research with a specific mandate to launch a health sciences initiative. In her role as associate vice-president, she has had oversight for the university’s research centres, as well as strategic planning, policy formulation, special programs and initiatives, and the building of strong relationships with granting agencies, contractors and funders.

Kalynchuk holds an academic appointment in the Division of Medical Sciences with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Psychology. She holds a BSc in psychology from the University of Alberta, and an MA and PhD in behavioural neuroscience from the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on the neurobiology of depression and the effect of chronic stress on the brain and behaviour.

The search committee’s enthusiastic recommendation was confirmed by a ratification ballot in which 74.6% of regular faculty members who voted cast ballots in favour. Her appointment was approved by the Board of Governors on June 7, 2019.

“Dr. Kalynchuk is an innovative and energetic leader with a vision for research at the University of Victoria that will engage and inspire support on and off campus,” says President Jamie Cassels.  “She will be a strong advocate locally, nationally and globally for research and researchers. Dr. Kalynchuk will bring enthusiasm and new ideas to facilitate access to a wide variety of opportunities and partnerships for individuals and groups working in all areas of research, scholarship and creative activity.  I look forward to working with Lisa in her new role.”

Kalynchuk replaces David Castle, who has held the VP Research position since 2014.

Summer 2019 Leadership Updates

Susan Lewis will serve as Acting Associate Vice-President Academic Planning for the period of July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

Cathie Krull will serve as Special Advisor to the Provost for the period of July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 to support the academic goals and objectives of the university, by providing support and advice and collaborating with university partners in advancing the International Plan, the Indigenous Plan, and our community-university engagement portfolio. Until the Vice-Provost is appointed, this role will also provide leadership and support to the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement and CanAssist. 

Ralf St. Clair has been reappointed to serve as Dean of the Education for a three-year term effective July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022.

Peter Wild's term as Acting Dean in the Faculty of Engineering has been extended, and will go from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Eva Baboula will be Acting Dean in the Faculty of Fine Arts from July 1 to December 31, 2019.

Robin Hicks will be Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science from July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

Rosaline Canessa has been appointed the Acting Dean of Social Sciences from July 1 to December 31, 2019.

Dr. Bruce Wright, Regional Associate Dean, Vancouver Island, UBC Faculty of Medicine and Head of the Division of Medical Sciences at UVic, has been reappointed for a five-year term effective July 1, 2019.