Appointment notice: Associate Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations)

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Rima Rozen to the position of Associate Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations), effective February 1, 2007.

Dr. Rozen, a James McGill Professor, will be working with the Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) and the Vice-Principal (Health Affairs), as well as the deans, to advance unified research policies and practices, research collaboration and research impact with the hospitals, and to advance the quality, impact and synergies of life sciences and biomedical sciences research across the University and with our hospital research institutes. In order to effectively serve the interests of the University, our affiliated hospital network and the larger community served by McGill, there will be a direct reporting line to the Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) and a subsidiary reporting line to Dr. Richard Levin, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of Medicine.

Dr. Rozen's scientific interests include the study of genes involved in birth defects (spina bifida), heart disease and cancer. Her research group was first to isolate and clone a gene that plays a vital role in the synthesis of the major circulatory form of folic acid, which is required for the prevention of these conditions. Dr. Rozen's work aims to understand the mechanisms by which genetic mutations and nutrition influence these disorders, and to explore new avenues of intervention and treatment.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Dr. Rozen received the 2000 Prix Léo-Pariseau for excellence in the biological and health sciences from the Association canadienne-française pour l'avancement des sciences (ACFAS) and the CIHR's Senior Scientist career award in the same year. In 2006, she was appointed to the newly created Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. She has published over 160 articles in scientific journals or books and has presented over 100 invited lectures in Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan.

A professor in the departments of Human Genetics, Pediatrics and Biology, Dr. Rozen is also the scientific director of pediatric research for the McGill University Health Centre and the deputy director of the MUHC's research institute. She also set up the Molecular Genetics Diagnostics Service of the Montreal Children's Hospital, a genetic counselling service for future parents.

Dr. Rozen brings to her new position outstanding credentials and proven leadership qualities, as well as a deep understanding of McGill University and its affiliated network, and the field of health sciences in Canada.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Rima Rozen in her new position.

Sincerely,

Denis Thérien, Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations)
Richard Levin, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of Medicine