Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, a professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), has been named the inaugural director of Dairy at Guelph.
Established in 2016, Dairy at Guelph is an internationally recognized centre of research excellence in dairy production science and systems at the University of Guelph.
One of the most highly cited dairy researchers in the world, LeBlanc studies metabolic and reproductive health and management in dairy cows.
He will serve as director for five years.
“Dairy at Guelph comprises one of the largest and most innovative dairy research teams in the world,” said OVC dean Dr. Jeff Wichtel.
“Dr. LeBlanc is an outstanding veterinary researcher, and I know he will lead this group to a new level of prominence, generating science solutions for a forward-looking agri-food industry that is a central pillar supporting the prosperity and well-being of Canadians.”
Leading a large and innovative dairy research team
Added Dr. Rene Van Acker, dean of U of G’s Ontario Agricultural College, “We are so happy to see Stephen in this leadership role for an initiative that has done and will do so much to synergize the remarkable dairy-related capacity we have at the University of Guelph.”
More than 60 faculty members and more than 140 graduate students and post-docs from across campus are associated with Dairy at Guelph. The centre is intended to highlight dairy scholarship and to promote research collaborations among U of G faculty.
Its members interact with external stakeholders and collaborators, disseminate information about research activities and findings and help develop research collaborations with various partners.
Dairy at Guelph delivers a variety of events including public lectures, seminars, workshops and symposia, and animal welfare training courses.
“I’m happy and proud to take on the work of leading Dairy at Guelph. The productivity and positivity of our associated faculty and students are inspiring,” said LeBlanc. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead to earn and enhance our position as Canada’s Dairy University.”
LeBlanc completed a B.Sc. in animal science at McGill University and both a DVM (1997) and a D.V.Sc. (2001) at U of G. He has served as research program director for animal production systems for the University and as senior editor with the Journal of Dairy Science.