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Dalhousie University appoints alumnus, veteran and academic visionary, Dr. Alice Aiken as Vice‑President Research

Posted by Media Centre on August 17, 2017 in News

(Halifax, NS) – Dalhousie University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Alice Aiken as Dalhousie University Vice-President Research for a five-year term beginning September 1, 2017 after an intense and competitive international search. Dr. Aiken is well known to the Dalhousie community as she currently serves as Dean of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health. The university also thanks and acknowledges Dr. John Newhook for his service as Acting Vice-President Research.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Aiken has accepted the position of Vice-President, Research,” says Dr. Richard Florizone, President of Dalhousie University. “She is passionate about university research and has a strong understanding of Canada’s broader research landscape. Her ability to engage across disciplines and build strategic partnerships will serve her well in helping Dalhousie expand its reach and impact as one of Canada’s leading research institutions.”

A proud Dal alumna (BSc’94 in Physiotherapy), Dr. Aiken is past President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and spent 10 years as a faculty member in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queens University. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (serving first as a ship’s navigator in the Royal Canadian Navy, then as a physiotherapist), her research in health services and health policy has a unique focus on veterans and their families. She is co-founder and former Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, a consortium of over 40 Canadian and seven international universities, and her awards and honours include the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and induction into the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. As Dean of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Health, Dr. Aiken has led the development of a visionary strategic plan set to position the Faculty as a national leader in health research and education.

"I’m thrilled to take on the role of Vice President Research at Dalhousie University,” says Dr. Aiken. “Dalhousie is an exciting place to be and this is a fantastic opportunity. I firmly believe that Dalhousie will continue to shine in Canada and internationally as a research leader. I am looking forward to working with President Florizone and the leadership team, faculty, researchers and staff, as we continue to expand our opportunities for pioneering research."

Dalhousie is one of Canada’s top research universities, pioneering research in a wide array of disciplines and generating $140 million in funded research annually. The university is the flagship research university of Nova Scotia, home to more than 80 per cent of the province’s publicly funded research and development. The university’s faculty expand opportunities for research, scholarly and artistic work, working in partnership with governments, industry and NGOs to develop leading ideas and innovative advances.

“In today’s world of change, challenge and opportunity, the research mission of the university is as important as ever,” says President Florizone. “As Atlantic Canada’s leading research university and a member of the U15, Dalhousie is both proud and especially obliged to advance that mission. We invite our university community to join us in congratulating Dr. Aiken on this important appointment, as we work together to advance knowledge and innovation for Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, Canada and our world.”
                                                                   

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Media Contacts:
Janet Bryson
Dalhousie University
Janet.bryson@dal.ca
902-494-1269

Lindsay Dowling
Dalhousie University
Lindsay.dowling@dal.ca
902-494-4189


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