In June 2018, Prof. John Livernois will complete his term as associate vice-president (research services). A search for a new AVPRS will begin soon.

Consistent with best practices during a leadership change, U of G’s Office of Research will work with external consultants over the coming months to conduct an operational review of the Office of Research Services. Such reviews generally take place every five to 10 years.

“Professor Livernois has been a phenomenal promoter of the research enterprise at University of Guelph,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research). “Professor Livernois has been tireless in elevating the quality and quantity of service supporting the U of G research community. He has brought about changes — including the creation of new services and supports, and the hiring of spectacular staff — that collectively have raised the bar for how the research enterprise is supported here at U of G.

“Under Professor Livernois’s leadership, the Office of Research Services now promotes, stewards and manages research grants and contracts that contribute to the University’s No. 1 position in Canada for research funding for a non-medical, comprehensive university. Professor Livernois’s office oversees one of the largest and most complex animal research enterprises nationally. In recent years, under Professor Livernois’s leadership, the University has enjoyed a change in fortunes with tri-agency funding, and successes in other national competitions — including, notably, the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, where Professor Livernois was part of the team that secured the largest federal grant in the University’s history.

“Beyond this, Professor Livernois did a remarkable job of navigating the University through the transition from one vice-president (research) to another. During this time, he did not merely maintain the status quo but also started to move the U of G research enterprise toward the positive trajectory it is on today, all while maintaining his role as AVPRS. We owe him a debt of gratitude for that alone, let alone everything else he has accomplished in the Office of Research.”

The Office of Research, comprising the Office of Research Services, the Office of Agri-Food Partnership and the Research Innovation Office, oversees the University’s research and research innovation enterprise across all campuses, research stations and the U of G/Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs partnership. It supports the research programs of University faculty across all disciplines, promotes and stewards research partnerships with external stakeholders, and catalyzes and sustains the mobilization, application, commercialization and communication of research outcomes.

Livernois will oversee the operational review before his term as AVPRS ends. More details on the process will be available soon.