Supporting Dalhousie research

Iain Stewart is Dalhousie's new Assistant Vice-President, Research.

When university officials ask for research, science and technology advice from the federal government, Iain Stewart is the person they turn to. The Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Innovation Sector, is well-known for his knowledge in the research sector having led the development of federal policies such as the Federal Science and Technology Strategy and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, which have greatly benefited Canadian universities.

Dalhousie no longer needs to look as far as Ottawa for Mr. Stewart's advice. Industry Canada has announced that Mr. Stewart will leave the department to become the new Assistant Vice-President, Research at Dalhousie, effective Sept. 1, 2009.

“Iain Stewart has a remarkable knowledge and acute sense of the university-industry-government intersection,” says Martha Crago, Vice-President, Research. “Having him at Dalhousie is a remarkable resource not only for the university but also for the city and province as a whole.”

Mr. Stewart, who led the development of the annual budget initiatives supporting the Science and Technology Strategy and higher-education research and development, will take leadership in the areas of ocean science, policy, innovation and partnerships. He is hoping to build on these areas and deepen research in areas important to Canadians.

“Dalhousie has a lot to offer in a diverse range of areas from predicting environmental impacts of climate change to the health and well-being of Canadians,” says Mr. Stewart. “The opportunity is to find out what more we can bring to research partners and how to strengthen our collaborations so that the Dalhousie community has access to greater resources and opportunities and our partners benefit from the ideas, innovations and practical applications developed here.”

Having coordinated policy with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the National Research Council, Mr. Stewart will help enhance Dalhousie’s reputation as a research hub nationally and internationally.

“Dalhousie is a well-known, well-respected and vibrant part of the national and international research community,” he explains. “Through focusing on areas of particular strength there is an opportunity to further brand the university as a leader in targeted fields.”

Having spent the past four years involved in federal science and technology policy, he has led efforts to sustain and enhance support for university research funding. Now a part of the university community, he is looking forward to the new challenge.

“Working at Dalhousie allows me to look through the other end of the telescope, apply ideas in a concrete setting and roll up my sleeves to directly support researchers,” says Mr. Stewart. “I have a sense of excitement about what a research intensive university like Dalhousie can contribute to the region, the economy in general, and to my home town of Halifax.”

A native of Nova Scotia, Mr. Stewart has degrees in Political Science, Marine Affairs and Public Administration, all from Dalhousie. Before his work at Industry Canada, he held executive positions with Technology Partnerships Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Infrastructure Canada, and Treasury Board Secretariat.