Daniel Jutras, rector of the University of Montreal, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of U15 Canada on the occasion of the annual general meeting of the organization held at the University of Alberta. His mandate will start on 1is september.
“Our grouping firmly believes in the innovative power of research and the central role of academics in the development of our society for the benefit of the Canadian population. I am very honored by the confidence that my colleagues give me to preside over U15 Canada and I can’t wait to work with actors in political, social and scientific circles in order to fully deploy the transformative genius of our biggest universities in the country, “he said.
“On behalf of the major research universities in the country, we are delighted to be able to count on the enlightened leadership of Rector Jutras at a pivotal time for Canada. This demanding context, marked by growing economic uncertainties and a redefinition of public priorities, is an opportunity for all designated to mobilize the potential of our university establishments in order to build a more resilient, more innovative and more productive country in the long term. We are resolved to work in concert with the new government and to ensure that research universities are at the heart of its program as engines of economic progress, social cohesion and technological innovation, “said Robert Asselin, CEO of U15 Canada.
Daniel Jutras succeeds Peter Stoicheff, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan, who assured the chairmanship of the board of directors since 2022. Under his leadership, U15 Canada played a decisive role in recognition, within the 2024 budget, of the importance of structuring investment in research; contributed to the renewal of federal support to major scientific infrastructures such as the Canadian Center for Synchrotron radiation and the organization for vaccines and infectious diseases; And strengthened international collaborations in Canada, in particular by its increased participation in the Horizon Europe program.
“I also want to express our deep gratitude to Peter Stoicheff for his leadership committed to the presidency of U15 Canada in the past three years and to highlight the importance of his contribution while his mandate at the University of Saskatchewan is coming to an end,” said Robert Asselin.
About U15 Canada
U15 Canada brings together the country’s 15 main research universities. The organization works to optimize policies and programs in terms of research and innovation in order to advance knowledge, to train highly qualified leaders in all sectors and to mobilize knowledge for the benefit of society. By its action, U15 Canada helps to build a more prosperous, sustainable and equitable future for all.