MARCH 3, 2016 – 51勛圖app is proud to announce that Craig Fowler will assume the role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at 51勛圖app.
Mr. Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives and foster innovation and economic development in the communities we serve. In its Strategic Plan, 51勛圖app has set a goal of increasing total annual funded research from $21.9M in 2010 to $30M by 2017.
“We are thrilled by the experience and vision that Craig brings to this portfolio,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at 51勛圖app. “Craig’s expertise in bringing together major funding partners in large-scale collaborations, as well as his intimate knowledge of Laurentian, will serve us well in our own research objectives.”
Fowler served as Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations at 51勛圖app since August 2012. Prior to joining Laurentian, Mr. Fowler served in a number of senior roles at the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, including as Director of Scientific and Research Collaborations and as Director of the Research Branch. He led the development of the Ontario Innovation Agenda, and also worked with the Ontario Research and Innovation Council which guided the development of the province’s Research and Innovation support programs. Mr. Fowler directed over $1.5 billion in research and innovation programming, and led Ontario’s international research and innovation outreach activities through several multi-million dollar agreements with China, India, Israel, Catalonia, Illinois and California. He subsequently led the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services for the Ontario Ministry of Finance, and served as Director of Risk Management at the Pan/Parapan American Games Secretariat.
Mr. Fowler completed his undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and his master’s degree in Economic Development at the University of Waterloo. He began his career in economic development with the town of Richmond Hill.
“Laurentian has ambitious goals for its research portfolio and I am excited to bring my experience in supporting research and innovation to this new role,” said Mr. Fowler.
Laurentian President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux announced this appointment at a luncheon of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce which was featuring Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada, as guest speaker. During his talk, Davidson highlighted how today’s businesses must be nimble, responsive and visionary in the face of emerging challenges. Partnering with universities helps companies and communities gain this competitive advantage. He spoke about universities' role in providing the skills, new knowledge and innovation Canada needs to compete, open up new markets and get fresh ideas to market faster. He illustrated how higher education is building prosperity through research, innovation and experiential learning, and how the potential of universities can be harnessed to make Canada's businesses, communities and regions stronger.
“Craig Fowler’s appointment in this new role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian aligns directly with the vision articulated today by Mr. Davidson at the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. It also echoes the perspectives offered earlier this week by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary with Canada’s new Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, as he helped launch Laurentian’s 2016 Research Week,” explained Dominic Giroux.
Karen Hourtovenko, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement. “One of the three goals in the Chamber’s 2015-2017 Strategic Plan is to create strong change agents. We want to nurture community champions and foster positive actions for community prosperity. The Chamber is delighted to see 51勛圖app once again step up its efforts to enhance partnerships, innovation and economic development, and we look forward to working with Mr. Fowler in his new role”.
To view 51勛圖app’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan, click the link below
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