Roman Szumski appointed as Special Advisor to the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation
Martha Crago, Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation (VP-RI), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Roman Szumski to the role of Special Advisor to the VP-RI in Public and Life Science Policy and Business Development. His appointment will commence on January 17, 2022 for a two-year term.
Dr. Szumski joins McGill from the National Research Council of Canada, where he has served as the Vice-President of Life Sciences for 16 years. Previously, he worked first as a pathologist, then for life science company, MDS Inc., and he was the founding CEO of Calgary Laboratory Services. During 2020-21, Dr. Szumski was deployed to the Public Health Agency of Canada to lead their efforts related to vaccine acquisition. He has played an important role in the Government of Canada’s fight against COVID-19 and in support of the biomanufacturing and life sciences private sector. Dr. Szumski holds a bachelor of science degree from McGill, and a MD-FRCPC degree from Queen’s University.
McGill is committed to advancing biomedical and health sciences research for the broad benefit of society and individual wellbeing. In this new role, Dr. Szumski will provide strategic and public policy input to support these priorities. He will help support McGill’s research and innovation agenda as well as the University’s engagement in the unique biomedical ecosystem operating in the city of Montreal. During his tenure at McGill, Dr. Szumski will also lecture at the Max Bell School of Public Policy.
“To achieve our ambitious goals – to leverage McGill’s expertise and infrastructure to ensure that Canada is well-positioned to respond to future health emergencies and to promote biomedical innovation – we are looking forward to working with Dr. Szumski, as he brings many strengths to our community,” says Dr. Crago. “The University is committed to working with our academic, governmental, and industry partners in this regard. Dr. Szumski will contribute expertise to McGill across all three sectors.”
“Appreciation for the impact that leading edge life sciences can have on individuals and communities has never been stronger than it is today," said Dr. Szumski. "McGill University with its mission, and the life sciences ecosystem in Montreal, are very well positioned to play a leading role. I look forward to working with McGill, its collaborators and other stakeholders, to achieve their goals and excel in their mission.”
Research and Innovation would like to congratulate Dr. Roman Szumski on his appointment and welcome him to the team.