Karina McInnis

Karina McInnis has been appointed as the University of Guelph’s new associate vice-president (research services). Her appointment begins Sept. 10.

McInnis is currently the executive director of university research services at Queen’s University. A renowned leader in Canadian research administration, she has 17 years of experience supporting university researchers.

“Ms. McInnis is an outstanding choice for this leadership role that provides the underpinnings for the University’s extensive, world-class research enterprise,” said Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research).

“She has elevated and sustained the research enterprise at Queen’s, and has received national recognition for developing and nurturing best practices for the vast activities associated with enhancing institutional research competitiveness and oversight.”

With more than $150 million in funding, U of G’s research enterprise is large and complex, from comprehensive fundamental research to translational research that mobilizes discoveries into innovations with global impact.

McInnis will focus on strengthening U of G’s research funding competitiveness and ensuring that U of G exceeds expectations for standards of research integrity, research ethics, animal care, and research-related health and safety.

She will lead and manage activities related to research grants and contracts, promotion of research excellence, research oversight and compliance, and public- and private-sector partnerships.

“Karina brings recognized excellence as a research administrator,” Campbell said. “She has the background and expertise to engage with researchers, sponsors, other administrative units, and a wide array of other stakeholders to elevate the way U of G supports and promotes research. I know that the University community will join me in enthusiastically welcoming her to U of G.”

McInnis, a professional engineer, earned a B.Sc. in geological engineering and a master’s degree in public administration from Queen’s University.

“I am thrilled to join the dynamic and exceptional team in the Office of Research at the University of Guelph,” McInnis said. “U of G has a well-deserved reputation for research excellence and for driving innovation.”

McInnis has held prominent roles with the Canadian Association of Research Administrators and the Consortia Advancing Standards in Research Administration Information, as well as numerous editorial positions on professional publications.

In making the announcement, Campbell thanked Jill Rogers for serving as interim AVP. “We are immensely grateful to Jill. She has done a terrific job, positioning the Office of Research Services so that Karina can continue moving the office on the upward trajectory that Jill and former AVP John Livernois established over the past three years.”