LU appoints new VP of research

Laurentian University has appointed Rui Wang as its vice-president of research.

The appointment is effective Jan. 19, 2015, for a renewable term ending June 30, 2020.

In his role, Wang will help promote and enhance research intensity across all seven faculties at Laurentian University, and will attract new research chairs and scholars-in-residence in the university’s areas of research strength.

“Dr. Wang is well-established as an internationally-recognized scientist in his own right, and also brings extensive experience in university administration and a deep knowledge of Northern Ontario and Simcoe County,” said Laurentian University president Dominic Giroux, in a press release.

“He is an extremely valuable addition to Laurentian’s executive team and we are impressed by his energy and his vision.”

Since 2004, Wang has served as vice-president of research and then as vice-president of research, economic development and innovation at Lakehead University.

Previously, he held teaching and research positions at Université de Montréal and the University of Saskatchewan.

Educated in Shandong and Xi’an, China, Wang completed his Ph.D. in Physiology at the University of Alberta. He is an acknowledged leader in the study of metabolism and the physiological functions of a group of small molecules of gas, known as gasotransmitters.

Over his research career to date, he has received close to $11 million in funding for his own research activity. Wang has trained more than 45 post-doctoral fellows, 20 Ph.D. and M.Sc. students, as well as other visiting scholars and trainees, and has published more than 220 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals.

He has accumulated appointments as adjunct, visiting or honorary professor in nine universities in China, the United States, and Québec, and has received more than 30 professional awards.

“With its great momentum, visionary and dynamic leadership, and numerous areas of unique research strengths, Laurentian University has gained national recognition for its excellence in research and innovation,” Wang said.

“I am excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead and looking forward to working with the Laurentian community to champion its research and innovation mission from success to successes.”

Wang replaces Patrice Sawyer, who completed his term as vice-president June 30, 2014. Anne-Marie Mawhiney, special advisor to the president, will serve as acting vice-president, research, from July 1, 2014 until January 16, 2015.

Laurentian University is collaborating with the Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC) located at Health Sciences North in the transfer of Wang's research program to Greater Sudbury.

"The recruitment of Dr. Wang by Laurentian University and of members of his research team by AMRIC truly strengthens Greater Sudbury’s position as a hub of medical research,” said Dr. Denis Roy, president and CEO of Health Sciences North.