Laurentian University in Sudbury has appointed Dr. Robert Haché as its new president.
Haché will assume his new position on July 1 for a five-year renewable term. He takes over from Dr. Pierre Zundel, who has been serving as interim president since August, 2017.
Haché is currently serving as vice-president of research and innovation at York University in Toronto.
Prior to that, he served as associate vice-president of research at the University of Calgary and vice-dean of research for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
Of Acadian background, Haché is fluently bilingual in English and French. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry degree from McGill University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Queen’s University. Haché has 29 years of experience as an academic, including more than 20 years as an academic leader.
As a molecular and cellular biologist and biochemist, Haché has received numerous research grants and awards from organizations, including the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR), the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) and the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for his research projects on steroid hormone action and DNA damaging agents. Haché has also served as a committee member and chair in various organizations, including the Ontario Council of University Research (OCUR).
“Laurentian University’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is impressive. It is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education,” Haché said.
“My priority will be to pursue this vision and engage all disciplines – from the arts to science, education, management, health and much more – in achieving our ambitions and developing our incredible potential together."
