Following a highly competitive search process, Shanthi Johnson will take up an appointment as vice-president, research and innovation, effective July 1, 2023.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Johnson will be the University’s internal and external advocate for research, creative work, scholarship, and innovation — providing leadership in advancing areas of opportunity to further accelerate growth and success while ensuring effective support of researchers. In her role, Johnson will also be responsible for advancing UWindsor’s research culture by enhancing the development of interdisciplinary research teams, expanding partnership opportunities, capitalizing on strategic research funding, and supporting student and community engaged research.

Johnson comes to the University of Windsor from the University of Alberta, where she served most recently as professor and dean of the School of Public Health. Building on a strong academic foundation from India and culminating with a PhD from the University of Western Ontario, Johnson has significant research and leadership experiences in Canada and beyond.

She also has had considerable national and international experiences through her participation on various councils and boards including the National Seniors Council, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, and the CIHR Governing Council. Johnson’s research focuses on falls and injury prevention, aging in place in rural communities, and social isolation among immigrant and refugee seniors.

She takes on the role from K.W. Michael Siu, who completed his second term as vice-president, research and innovation in the fall of 2022, and interim vice-president, research and innovation Chris Houser, who has been in the role since September 2022.

President Robert Gordon says he is thrilled to welcome Johnson to the University of Windsor community and thanks Drs. Siu and Houser for their leadership in the role.

“Shanthi’s commitment to building a culture of research and innovation on campus will complement the work of Michael and Chris,” said Dr. Gordon. “With an impressive body of scholarship that boasts interdisciplinary collaboration and community-engaged practice, Shanthi will be an excellent addition to the University’s leadership team.”

Johnson said she is honoured to have the opportunity to lead, support, and elevate the innovative research capacity and impact at the University of Windsor.

“It is a privilege to join a university community driven by relevance to the critical issues our society faces right now while looking ahead to the solutions we will need in the future,” she said. “I am committed to celebrating and strengthening UWindsor’s diversity of research and innovation.”