Dr. Lisa Kalynchuk
Vice-President Research & Innovation
- Contact:
- vpr@uvic.ca 250-721-7973
About
The role of the Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI) is to promote and facilitate research and creative activities at the University of Victoria. To do this, they:
- develop and implement strategic plans to support a rich research environment
- create and oversee sound research policies and procedures that meet the highest ethical and regulatory standards
- work with potential research funders to enhance available resources
- promote the mobilization of knowledge created through research for societal benefit
- seek to enhance the reputation of the university through the excellence of the research conducted by its faculty and students
Through two associate vice-presidents and four directors, the VPRI portfolio includes responsibility for eleven Senate and Board approved research centres and institutes, the Office of Research Services, Animal Care Services, and the Research Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization unit.
Biography
Dr. Lisa Kalynchuk is an innovative and inspiring leader who is always looking to push the boundaries of what is possible. She was appointed as Vice-President Research and Innovation at UVic in 2019 and reappointed in 2024.
Dr. Kalynchuk has learned, taught, discovered and led at six of the top universities in Canada. She has served in a number of positions – ranking from faculty member to Canada Research Chair to research group director to associate dean, special advisor to the provost, associate vice-president research and finally vice-president research and innovation. She has also served on 14 corporate and non-profit boards.
In her research, Dr. Kalynchuk is international recognized for her work to undercover the neurobiological consequences of chronic stress and how stress can lead to depression and other mental health disorders. She has also helped identify promising new antidepressant therapeutics for clinical use and novel biomarkers for rapid diagnosis of depression and psychosis.
Dr. Kalynchuk brings great passion and energy to her work as a senior leader. She takes a consultative, team first approach and is committed to inclusion and diversity of thought. She has led several major strategic planning exercises, including the development of Aspiration 2030, UVic’s research strategy, and been a driving force toward doubling UVic’s research revenues and success in several major national funding competitions.