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