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Sudbury-designed solar power system to have major field test

Sudbury-designed solar power system to have major field test

Photo-voltaic cells to provide clean energy will be deployed off Maltese coast

AUGUST 19, 2014 – An innovative and energy-smart concept to harness clean solar power for multiple applications will have its first major field test in the Mediterranean sea, off the island of Malta, early in 2015.  Conceived and developed by researchers at MIRARCO and Laurentian University in Sudbury, the demonstration project is being supported by the Government of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, and other research partners.

 

The Offshore Passive Photo-voltaic (OPPV) Project will use thin solar panels (photo-voltaic cells) floating on the water’s surface to generate energy.  The array of panels, measuring about 20 meters by 20 meters, is expected to have a peak output of 8kW, enough power for two typical 3-bedroom homes.

 

“The goal of the demonstration project is to find alternative ways for Malta to generate clean energy, since it is a small island and doesn’t have the land space to install solar panels on the ground,” says MIRARCO researcher Kim Trapani.  “We believe our system is a substantial improvement on other forms of marine renewable energy, such as offshore wind, rigid offshore photo-voltaic structures, wave and tidal energy.  The floating PV panels do not pose a collision risk, and should require very low maintenance.”

 

Originally from Malta, Dr. Trapani completed her Ph.D. at Laurentian University with thesis advisor Dr. Dean Millar, Professor in the Bharti School of Engineering and the MIRARCO Research Chair of Energy in Mining. Dr. Millar is particularly interested in the potential applications of the OPPV project in mining.

 

“Wherever they are located, mines tend to consume appreciable amounts of energy to support mineral production,” said Dr. Millar.  “The Maltese demonstration project is a world first that aims to prove thin-film PV technology in the saltwater marine environment, but it has also been developed as an electricity generating system for mines.”  The flexible laminated panels will float on the surface of the water of tailings ponds, said Dr. Millar.  “The panels could form a barrier to isolate wildlife from the tailings waters, while the panels generate electricity for the mine.”

 

Drs Trapani and Millar have published research suggesting that for remote mines like the Ring of Fire, the cost per kilowatt-hour produced with the PV systems is lower than the cost of installing and running diesel-powered generators.  “Our OPPV technology could have game-changing implications for the mining industry, especially with remote minesites, by providing clean and cheap energy that can be set up where needed with relatively little infrastructure. These demonstration projects aim to prove longer term reliability,” said Dr. Millar. 

Adjunct Professor at Laurentian University elected to the United Nations Committee on Human Rights

Adjunct Professor at Laurentian University elected to the United Nations Committee on Human Rights

Laurentian University awarded Dr. Ben Achour an honourary doctorate in recognition of his work bridging the differences between the Arab and Western Worlds.

July 30, 2014 – Laurentian University congratulates Dr. Yadh Ben Achour on his election to a four-year term to the United Nations Committee on Human Rights.  In 2004, Laurentian University awarded Dr. Ben Achour an honourary doctorate in recognition of his work bridging the differences between the Arab and Western Worlds. Dr. Ben Achour is also an Adjunct Professor with the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Law (ICIRL) and the Department of Justice at Laurentian University.

 

The United Nations Human Rights Committee is composed of eighteen independent experts who monitor the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

 

Dr. Ben Achour played a key role in Tunisia’s transition to democracy after the Jasmine Revolution in January 2011. He was named to lead a commission charged with the implementation of the first free and transparent elections in Tunisia in October 2011. The newly elected National Constituent Assembly then drafted Tunisia’s new constitution.

 

Dr. Ben Achour is a strong defender of human rights and the rule of law. In 1992, he resigned from Tunisia’s Constitutional Council and became one of the harshest critics of the regime of Ben Ali. Shortly afterwards, he was elected Dean of the Faculty of Legal, Political and Social Sciences of Tunis, University of Carthage. Since 2013, he has been President of the Administrative Law Court of the African Development Bank. In 2013, he received the International Prize for Democracy from the Fondation Internationaler Demoktratie Preis, Bonn, Germany. 

Laurentian welcomes latest addition to campus Food Services

Laurentian welcomes latest addition to campus Food Services

Local restaurateur Topper’s Pizza to open first university-based store

July 25, 2014 – As part of its continuing campaign to expand and enhance food service options for students, staff and faculty, Laurentian University today welcomed a new Topper’s Pizza restaurant to the Sudbury campus. 

“Topper’s has been in Sudbury for more than 30 years, so it’s well-known and well-liked,” said Laurentian’s Director of Housing and Food Services, Benjamin Demianiuk. “We’re sure it will be a very popular meal choice at the university, and the company also fits well with our objective of providing more local food choices.” 

The Toppazzini family opened a bakery in Copper Cliff in 1904, serving the Sudbury market for almost eight decades. Since 1982, when it launched its first pizza restaurant, the family-owned company has expanded to 35 corporate and franchise-owned locations across Ontario, with plans for further expansion. 

“We are delighted to be opening our first location on a university campus with the Laurentian store,” said Kelly Toppazzini, Chair and CEO of Topper’s Pizza. “We think it’s a perfect fit, and we’re proud to be part of the university community,” he said. 

The restaurant will be located directly outside the entrance to Laurentian’s Great Hall and will officially open to the university community on August 28th, 2014. It is part of the University’s long-term program to broaden the range of food and beverage options available, while also creating more spaces across campus for gathering, socializing and dining. The Great Hall will re-open August 29th after a $2M renovation. The re-designed Great Hall will offer a “marché-style” dining experience under the name Fresh Food Co. 

“We’ve consulted widely and we’ve listened to our students, and other members of the Laurentian community,” said VP, Administration Carol McAulay. “With the Great Hall re-design, with the addition of a Starbucks and East Bistro in recent years, and now the opening of a Topper’s on campus, we really are providing the spaces and the amenities for an excellent student experience here at Laurentian.” 

Sudbury research highlights link between forest and fish stocks

Sudbury research highlights link between forest and fish stocks

Results of study at Vale Living With Lakes published in ‘Nature Communications’

July 7, 2014 – Environmental research conducted at the Vale Living With Lakes Centre of Laurentian University is the focus of an article published in the international research journal Nature Communications.  Lead author Dr. Andrew Tanentzap of University of Cambridge, U.K., carried out studies on acquatic food chains in Daisy Lake, in Sudbury, Ontario.  The findings of the research point to important linkages between healthy forests in boreal ecosystems and the viability of fish stocks in those freshwater lakes. 

 

The study found that young yellow perch in Daisy Lake were better-nourished in areas where forest debris washed into the lake, supplementing the aquatic food chain.  In parts of the lake with less surrounding vegetation, the fish had fewer microscopic zooplankton to feed upon and were smaller in size.

 

“We found fish with almost 70% of their biomass made from carbon that came from trees and leaves, instead of aquatic food chain sources,” said Dr. Tanentzap.  “Essentially, the young fish in lake areas with scant forest cover were smaller, and thus less likely to breed and survive.  Those in areas with abundant forest cover were definitely a more robust population.”

 

A Banting Fellow at the Living With Lakes Centre during much of his research, Dr. Tanentzap and his colleagues from the University of Cambridge will return to Sudbury this fall for a 3-year continuation of the project.

 

“We are delighted to see Andrew’s work highlighted in Nature Communications,” said Dr. John Gunn, Director of the Living with Lakes Centre and Canada Research Chair for Stressed Aquatic Systems.  “Sudbury’s unique landscape is a globally significant research laboratory, and the Cambridge project shows how our recovered waterways create real benefits in the downstream receiving waters.” 

 

The Living With Lakes Centre is a centre of excellence for the study of stressed and recovering freshwater ecosystems, and has been the site of numerous research projects in environmental and natural resource management studies. 

 

Dr. Tanentzap said that while the team’s research focussed on boreal regions, the findings are likely to bear out globally, in all regions that have experienced forest loss.  “The degradation and destruction of forest lands have a direct impact on aquatic food chains.  It matters because freshwater fish make up more than 6% of humans’ protein supplies and are their primary source of omega-3 fatty acids,” he said. 

Laurentian University opens new School of the Environment

Laurentian University opens new School of the Environment

The School currently houses five existing programs: Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Études de l’environement, Science Communication, and Archaeology.


JULY 3, 2014 – Laurentian University’s new School of the Environment, approved by the University Senate earlier this year, is now open, with 13 faculty forming its core and 13 more faculty soon to be cross-appointed from other departments.  The School currently houses five existing programs:  Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Études de l’environnement, Science Communication, and Archaeology.    It will contribute to environmental programming offered by other departments across campus, and will collaborate with the Vale Living with Lakes Centre and other research centres, including the Centre for Evolutionary Ecology and Ethical Conservation (CEEEC).

 

The School will help to consolidate and strengthen the University’s expertise and reputation in all studies related to the environment, said the School’s inaugural Director, Dr. Brett Buchanan.  

 

“This truly represents an important step and a natural progression for Laurentian University, and for Greater Sudbury,” said Dr. Buchanan.  “We are recognized worldwide for our environmental knowledge in this community, and Laurentian has a constellation of professors and researchers who are leaders in environmental studies and sciences.  The School will help to showcase our unique strengths in this field, and to offer enhanced learning opportunities for our students in Sudbury and in Barrie.”

 

 “The School provides an opportunity for synergy and collaboration that will propel us forward as a centre of innovation both in teaching and in research, ” said Dr. Osman Abou-Rabia, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture.  “It also moves us toward our Strategic Plan objective of further national recognition for our signature strengths.” 

 

“As a society, we are faced with momentous and far-reaching environmental issues. It is appropriate that Laurentian have a School to foster and lead critical awareness in environmental research and action,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

 

The official launch and celebration of the School of the Environment is scheduled for September 17, 2014

$39M now secured for Laurentian University campus in Barrie

$39M now secured for Laurentian University campus in Barrie

New website outlines Laurentian proposal to serve 3,100 full-time students

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June 23rd, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors has approved a commitment of $25 million toward the proposed stand-alone university campus in the City of Barrie. This pledge represents a significant increase to Laurentian University’s 2011 commitment for the Barrie campus, and the amount would be enhanced by the $14M already committed by the City of Barrie for a standalone campus.

 

Barrie City Councillors today unanimously reaffirmed their strong support for Laurentian’s proposed Barrie campus, a 225,000 sq ft academic facility to serve 3,100 full-time equivalent students.

 

“We are pleased to see Barrie’s City Councillors reiterating their support for the Laurentian campus in Barrie,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux. “We have worked diligently with the City since 2010 to realize the community’s vision for a stand-alone university campus. We believe it is an exciting vision, and we are committed to its success.”

 

Laurentian will present its formal proposal for the Barrie campus in accordance with the provincial government’s Request for Proposals for Major Capacity Expansion. The province is expected to issue decisions in 2015.

 

Meanwhile, Laurentian continues talks to jointly develop 64 acres of vacant land on Essa Road that would meet the needs of a university student population in an urban campus environment. Laurentian’s Barrie campus would include facilities for athletics and recreation, residence space to house 500 to 750 students, and a student centre to be financed by ancillary fees.

 

“We feel the site is ideal for its access to downtown and to key transit links, and for its ability to serve as a focal point for Barrie’s future development,” said Craig Fowler, Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations for Laurentian University’s Barrie campus. “It provides room to grow, and the campus development will create an exciting new gateway to the city.”

 

Proposed programs at Laurentian’s Barrie campus would originate from five of the University’s faculties: Arts; Health; Graduate Studies; Management; Science, Engineering and Architecture. Programs in Barrie are being developed specifically for the community, with Barrie’s current and future economic growth in mind.

 

Laurentian University has been delivering programs in Barrie since 2001 in partnership with Georgian College. It now counts close to 3,000 alumni in the Barrie area, and employs approximately 70 faculty and staff. Laurentian University is also committed to a continuing positive relationship with Georgian College to plan post-secondary expansion in Barrie.

 

“We have a long history of success in our work with Georgian and five other Ontario colleges, and we share a firm commitment to access and mobility for post-secondary students who will benefit from degree studies,” said President Giroux.

 

“I believe that Barrie deserves an outstanding university campus offering four-year university degrees and graduate programs right here in our community,” said Karen Hansen, owner of Pratt Homes and member of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University. “Barrie has proudly supported major transformations in Barrie, including the expansion of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre and Georgian College, which have had very positive long-term impacts. A stand-alone university campus is the next logical step.”

 

“For a city of Barrie’s size and potential, it really is a necessity to have a stand-alone university campus to fulfill the aspirations of our students,” said Laurentian University Board of Governors member Rose Adams of Adams Law in Barrie, “We are the largest metropolitan area in Canada without a university campus. So, yes, it’s time for Laurentian’s Barrie campus,” said Adams.

 

“A stand-alone Laurentian University campus will drive the creativity and innovation that Barrie needs to stimulate its long-term prosperity. Research and commercialization of discoveries in our areas of strength will help to diversify the local economy and build our future,” said Jon Babulic, outgoing member of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University, former Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Barrie and former Chair of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.

 

88% of first-year university registrants from Simcoe County leave the region to pursue university studies. This proportion is growing. Each year, only about 100 out of 45,000 first-year university registrants from the GTA choose a university program offered in Simcoe County.

 

“These trends speak to the fact that students from Barrie, the rest of Simcoe County and the GTA are looking for a stand-alone university campus to pursue their aspirations. They need a comprehensive range of four-year university programs, and the opportunity to develop a strong sense of belonging to their university”, said Claudette Paquin, member of the Board of Governors of Laurentian University and a former Vice-President at Cogeco Cable Canada.

 

The University has launched a new website to provide all members of the Barrie community with further details about the proposed campus: www.itstimebarrie.ca
 

MEDIA BACKGROUNDER:

LAURENTIAN BARRIE CAMPUS PROJECT

  • There are 97 universities in Canada. Barrie is Canada’s 34th largest municipality in Canada by population, yet does not have its own stand-alone university campus. Barrie is also the 21st largest census metropolitan area in Canada and the largest in Canada without a university campus.

 

  • The Province of Ontario has designated Barrie as an urban growth centre, the only one in Simcoe County.

 

  • Small to mid-size Canadian municipalities with stand-alone university campuses include Regina, Sherbrooke, Kelowna, Abbotsford-Mission, Oshawa, Kingston, St. Catharines, Trois-Rivières, Moncton, Guelph, Brantford, Saint John, Peterborough, Lethbridge, Cape Breton, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Fredericton, Prince George, Sault Ste. Marie, Charlottetown, and Rimouski.

 

  • An April 2014 economic impact study by KPMG, commissioned by Laurentian University, estimates that the initial construction phase of the Laurentian campus will generate $182 million in total economic activity in Barrie.

 

  • The KPMG study also estimates that ongoing campus operations will generate $70 million in annual total economic activity and support almost 425 employment positions per year, with increased revenues for the City of Barrie in the form of direct revenues, while indirect revenues derived from municipal taxes on student accommodations could be as much as $2.9 million annually.

 

  • Laurentian was first invited in May 2010 by then City Councillor Jeff Lehman to present to Council a vision for a Laurentian University satellite campus in downtown Barrie, with Georgian College supporting the relocation of Laurentian University programs downtown. Council supported this vision, which led Laurentian University to deem the project a top priority in its 10-year capital plan submitted to the Province in June 2010.

 

  • In 2011, Laurentian’s strategic planning consultations, involving numerous community organizations, confirmed strong support in Barrie for a stand-alone university campus.

 

  • In mid-2011, Laurentian pledged $14 million toward the project. In November 2011, City Council agreed to provide a matching contribution of $14 million to a university successful in a provincial RFP and matching this contribution from its own sources. Shortly afterward, Georgian College reaffirmed its support for Mayor Lehman and Council’s vision for a university campus in Barrie.

 

  • On June 20th, 2014, Laurentian University’s Board of Governors voted to increase Laurentian’s commitment to the Barrie campus, raising the pledge to $25 million. 

 

  • Laurentian University has already made multi-million dollar investments in the capital project, conducting community consultations and site selection, as well as market, environmental and geotechnical assessments of numerous potential sites.

 

  • Laurentian University delivers programs in partnership with six Ontario colleges, and is an acknowledged leader in facilitating the transfer of college students to degree studies, with student-centred policies on prior learning.

 

  • Since 2012, Laurentian University’s President has served as co-chair of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), an organization that includes all of Ontario’s 44 colleges and universities and is aimed at improving student mobility within the postsecondary education sector.

 

  • During a visit to Barrie in August 2013, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne commented that “Barrie is making a very strong case” for a university campus.

 

  • The provincial government’s Request for Proposals for Major Capacity Expansion has invited Ontario universities to lead proposals for new post-secondary capacity in the province. Outcomes in this process are expected in 2015.

Laurentian University becomes the first bilingual university to be recognized under the French Language Services Act

Laurentian University becomes the first bilingual university to be recognized under the French Language Services Act

The Laurentian designation applies to services provided on the Sudbury campus, and to programs that are offered entirely in French

June 23, 2014 – Laurentian University will become the first bilingual university in Ontario to be designated under the province’s French Language Services Act.  The recognition takes formal effect on July 1st, 2014. The Laurentian designation applies to services provided on the Sudbury campus, and to programs that are offered entirely in French leading to 13 degrees at the bachelor, master and Ph.D. levels.

 

The French Language Services Act designation guarantees the right of individuals to receive provincial government services in French in designated areas.  Institutions such as universities, hospitals and other public agencies may also be designated as official providers of French language services.

 

“By becoming the first bilingual university recognized under the French Language Services Act, Laurentian University proudly demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the Franco-Ontarian community’s interests are upheld and protected,” said University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “It is a sign of our commitment to French-language education and to la Francophonie.”

 

“At this historic moment in our institution’s history, I would like to thank the Regroupement des professeures et professeurs francophones at Laurentian University for having launched this process in December 2011,” said Michael Atkins, Chair of the Board of Governors. “Their efforts were strongly supported by Laurentian’s Senate and the Board of Governors, and by the Government of Ontario.”

 

According to Claude Lacroix, Chair of Laurentian’s Executive Committee, “It was a rigorous process that led to this acknowledgement from the Ontario Government under the French Language Services Act, which will allow us to fulfill the University’s bilingual mandate while respecting our governance and complying with the framework set out by the Office of Francophone Affairs.”

 

“In taking this step, the provincial government is recognizing Laurentian University’s support for the cultural heritage of our Francophone population.  It has played a leading role in a vibrant and flourishing Francophone culture here in Ontario,” explained Claudette Paquin, member of Laurentian’s Executive Committee and Chair of its Senate and Board of Governors’ Joint Committee on Bilingualism.

 

Announced as part of the St-Jean festivities, this recognition of Laurentian University under the French-Language Services Act, will be celebrated on Franco-Ontarian Day – September 25th, 2014.

 

“Obtaining a partial designation under the French-Language Services Act demonstrates that it is possible for a bilingual institution to maintain academic freedom while actively offering a legal guarantee of quality education and services in French to the Franco-Ontarian community and all Francophiles,” said François Boileau, French Language Services Commissioner.

 

“Twenty-eight years after the French Language Services Act was passed, Laurentian University is very proud to have applied for and received this designation,” said President Giroux.

Laurentian balances budget for fourth consecutive year

Laurentian balances budget for fourth consecutive year

Budget targets Strategic Plan, Graduate Expansion, Research and Barrie Campus

JUNE 20, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today approved a 2014-2015 operating budget of $141.2M, marking the fourth consecutive year the University has achieved a balanced budget. The Board’s unanimous approval followed a series of sixteen consultation sessions with more than 160 people from across the Laurentian community in Sudbury and Barrie. 

“As we enter the third year of our Strategic Plan, we continue to make investments to shape the future of Laurentian University,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “Despite increasing funding pressures, Laurentian has sustained investments to support the University’s aspirations. We thank those who took part in the consultation process for their contributions in helping us to achieve this goal.” 

The new Faculty of Graduate Studies is part of an ambitious graduate expansion implementation plan requested by the University’s Board of Governors to meet regional needs, nearly doubling domestic graduate enrolment between 2011 and 2018. This will include an increase in Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA). Fall 2014 master’s program applications have increased by 71%. 

Upcoming faculty appointments will include new research chairs in Cancer, Occupational Health and Safety, Sustainable Northern Development, Indigenous Relations and Governance, and Histoire franco-ontarienne. 


Other budget highlights include: 

  • Budget increase of $4.3M or 3.1% over 2013; 
  • $41.9M to support strategic plan outcomes from 2012-2020; 
  • School of Architecture Phase II on track, on budget; 
  • $44.6M to modernize the Sudbury campus including a University Club, an Executive Learning Centre and an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (partially supported by donations from Glencore and RBC); 
  • $25M commitment, up from $14M, to open a new satellite campus in Barrie; 
  • Great Hall on Sudbury campus under renovation and scheduled to re-open in September 2014 as Fresh Food Company; 
  • Completion of the rehabilitation of the Single Student Residence on the Sudbury campus; 
  • $3.3M in additional investments to support research through 2020; 
  • Stable faculty and staff complement; 
  • New Faculty of Health, new Faculty of Education, new Faculty of Graduate Studies, new School of Environment; 
  • New master’s programs in Indigenous Relations and Sciences infirmières;
  • $536K increase to support growth in the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering. 


“Our focus has always been to deliver an outstanding student experience,” said Carol McAulay, Vice President, Administration at Laurentian. “This budget backs that commitment and keeps us on track to deliver the 40 outcomes outlined in our Strategic Plan.” 


2013-14 Accomplishments include: 

  • School of Architecture welcomed first class of 68 students in September 2013; 
  • Centre for Academic Excellence well-established and supporting both pedagogy and student success; 
  • One-stop student service model developed and implemented. Centralized physical space will be reflected in Campus modernization capital plan; 
  • New food service outlets introduced (East Bistro, Starbucks, Subway); 
  • Re-introduction of men’s varsity hockey and introduction of women’s; 
  • New website launched: www.laurentian.ca ; 
  • Faculty of Management on its way to secure two prestigious international accreditations; 
  • Average entry grade reached 81%; 
  • Sudbury Campus is 100% wireless; 
  • Certificate of Bilingualism awarded growing number of students; 
  • Nine new Indigenous faculty members; 
  • 1% of payroll allocated to departments for staff training. 

Laurentian names Dr. Rui Wang as new Vice-President, Research

Laurentian names Dr. Rui Wang as new Vice-President, Research

Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Rui Wang as Vice-President, Research, effective January 19, 2015, for a renewable term ending June 30, 2020.

JUNE 20, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Rui Wang as Vice-President, Research, effective January 19, 2015, for a renewable term ending June 30, 2020. 

In his role, Dr. 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 and Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux. “He is an extremely valuable addition to Laurentian’s executive team and we are impressed by his energy and his vision.” 

Since 2004, Dr. 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 University of Saskatchewan. 

Educated in Shandong and Xi’an of China, Dr. 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. Dr. 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,” said Dr. Wang. “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.” 

Dr. Wang replaces Dr. Patrice Sawyer who is completing his term as Vice-President on June 30, 2014. Dr. 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 would like to acknowledge the exceptional collaboration of the Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada (AMRIC) located at Health Sciences North (HSN) as it will provide valuable assistance in the transfer of Dr. 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. 

Laurentian appoints Denis Hurtubise as Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs

Laurentian appoints Denis Hurtubise as Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs

The Board of Governors today unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Denis Hurtubise to the new position of Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs

JUNE 20, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Denis Hurtubise to the new position of Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs. The appointment is effective July 1st, 2014, for a five-year renewable term. 

“Dr. Hurtubise is an academic leader with an inspiring vision of university education and a firm commitment to promoting the vitality of the Francophone culture,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “We are delighted to have found a candidate with the experience, knowledge, acumen and personality we were looking for to lead the very important portfolio of Francophone Affairs at Laurentian.” 

Dr. Hurtubise served as Associate Professor and later Vice-President, Academic and Research at Saint-Paul University in Ottawa from 2000 to 2007, he was principally responsible for research services, marketing, international and library services and also directed the strategic plan 2007-2012. As Dean of Studies at Université du Québec en Outaouais from 2007 to the end of 2011, he was responsible for the development and evaluation of numerous undergraduate and graduate programs. Since January 2012, he has worked as a higher education consultant including for the network of Université du Québec on the intake and academic integration of international students at the undergraduate level in Quebec universities. 

He holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theology from the University of Montreal, as well as a Ph.D. in Theology from Saint-Paul University/University of Ottawa. Dr. Hurtubise began his career as Assistant Professor then Associate Professor at Saint-Paul University. He is the author of “Relire Whitehead – les concepts de Dieu dans Process and Reality” published in 2000 (Presses de l’Université Laval). 

 “I look forward to joining the dynamic team at Laurentian University and working with colleagues and community partners to continue to enhance French-language programs and services,” said Dr. Hurtubise. 

The appointment of Dr. Hurtubise was unanimously recommended after an extensive national search by by a 13-member search committee composed of Board members, faculty, students and administrators, and unanimously endorsed by the University’s Senate. 

Laurentian’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan outcome to establish Laurentian as a destination for Francophone and Immersion students from across Canada and targeted French-speaking countries is ambitious, and has been identified as requiring a fully dedicated senior academic administrator. 

“Along with the rest of the Laurentian community, I wish Denis a warm welcome, and I look forward to working with him in the years to come,” said Laurentian’s Vice-President, Academic and Provost, Dr. Robert Kerr. 

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