VP Research Reappointed
April 25, 2006 - News Release
Prof. Alan Wildeman has been reappointed to a second five-year term as vice-president (research). The announcement was made today by president Alastair Summerlee.
“The University has experienced major growth in its research activities during the past five years,” said Summerlee, who chaired a committee that reviewed Wildeman’s first term in office, which began in 2001.
Each year for the past three years, U of G has been named Canada’s No. 1 comprehensive research university, a ranking that is based both on research income and output measures such as publications and research intensity. In addition, Guelph has been the top comprehensive university for four straight years in the annual “Top 50 Research Universities List,” which ranks Canadian universities based solely on sponsored research income.
“Dr. Wildeman has shown strong leadership and guidance in facilitating this growth while managing a research portfolio that is extremely complex and has undergone significant change,” said Summerlee.
The Office of Research mandate includes managing some $124 million in annual research funding.
Research and scholarship across the disciplines are of fundamental importance because they make Guelph a richer institution, they underpin innovation and they enhance the University’s ability to deliver outstanding education and training, said Summerlee.
“Alan has worked hard to build on Guelph’s reputation for its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research excellence, to foster important external partnerships that broaden the way the world sees us, and to improve the quality of the University’s research infrastructure.”
In 2002, Wildeman oversaw the extensive consultative planning process associated with the restructuring of services and facilities funded under U of G’s enhanced partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The partnership includes the University’s campuses in Ridgetown, Kemptville and Alfred, numerous research stations and Laboratory Services.
Looking forward, Summerlee and Wildeman see three important priorities for the Office of Research. First, there will be a complete review of the office’s service mandate, looking at ways the office can support the growing research community and support how regulatory issues are introduced and managed. Second, U of G will be renegotiating the OMAFRA contract, which provides a vital component of the innovation agenda for agriculture and life sciences in the province. Third, the University will review the way research infrastructure is managed at the institution. Guelph will also continue to focus on the unique ways teaching and research are integrated and supported here.
“The University of Guelph is truly an extraordinary place for creative endeavours,” said Wildeman. “Our success is due entirely to the quality of our faculty, staff and students, and I am truly honoured to have been asked to serve another term. I look forward to continuing to help the Office of Research best support everyone’s aspirations and to working with the president and my colleagues to position Guelph so that it makes an even greater difference in the world.”
In addition to Summerlee, the review committee included deans, professors and staff members. They examined services, grant applications, ethics practices, technology transfer, international activities and commercialization under the Office of Research. The committee sought input and feedback from the U of G community on the areas of leadership, administration and management, relationship and partnership building, communications and oversight of the OMAFRA contract. The committee also sought and received wide feedback from members of internal and external communities associated with the University’s research enterprise.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
