New vice-president research named

The University of Victoria has appointed Dr. David Castle as vice-president research, effective July 1, 2014. The appointment follows an international search.

Castle is currently a professor and Chair of Innovation in the Life Sciences in the College of Humanities and Social Science and the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.

“I am delighted to return to Canada to take up this opportunity at the University of Victoria,” says Castle. “I have long admired the university not only for its excellence in research, but also for the strong sense of community and social purpose through which that research makes its social contribution.”

Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, Castle was the Canada Research Chair in Science and Society in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa. His research interests include innovation in the life sciences and social aspects of biotechnology, focusing on the interaction between science and society, including democratic engagement, regulation and governance, and intellectual property and knowledge management.

Castle holds a PhD from the University of Guelph, an MA from McMaster University and a BA and BSc from the University of Alberta. He has an outstanding academic track record and a distinguished record of achievement in research.

“Dr. Castle has a deep understanding of research and the evolving environment of research policy in Canada and internationally,” says President Jamie Cassels, chair of the search committee. “David will be a strong advocate for UVic research, and we look forward to welcoming him to campus in July.”

Castle’s appointment was approved by the Board of Governors in February. The search committee’s recommendation was confirmed by a ratification ballot in which 81 per cent of regular faculty members who cast ballots voted in favour.

Castle is replacing Dr. Howard Brunt, who is stepping down as UVic’s vice-president research on June 30, 2014 after seven years in the position.