UVic appoints new vice-president research

The University of Victoria has appointed Dr. David Castle as vice-president research, effective July 1, 2014. The appointment follows an international search.

Castle is currently a professor and Chair of Innovation in the Life Sciences in the College of Humanities and Social Science and the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, he was the Canada Research Chair in Science and Society in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa.

Castle’s research interests include innovation in the life sciences and social aspects of biotechnology, focusing on the interaction between science and society. He holds a PhD from the University of Guelph, an MA from McMaster University and a BA and BSc from the University of Alberta.

“Dr. Castle has an outstanding academic track record and a distinguished record of achievement in research,” says President Jamie Cassels, chair of the search committee. “He has a deep understanding of research and the evolving environment of research policy in Canada and internationally, and will be a strong advocate for research at UVic.”

Castle is replacing Dr. Howard Brunt, who is stepping down as UVic’s vice-president research on June 30, 2014 after seven years in the position.

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