Molly Shoichet (pictured), a professor at University of Toronto, has been appointed as the first chief scientist of the Canadian province of Ontario.
Shoichet was selected by Ontario’s provincial government following a consultation which attracted more than 210 responses, with approximately 50% of applicants hailing from university, research or government backgrounds.
Her remit will include advocating for research science in government and in education, as well as leading the formulation of Ontario’s science strategy. She has been asked to promote Ontario as a research hub within Canada and globally.
Shoichet practises in the Institute for Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, part of University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. Three spinouts have been founded on the back of Shoichet’s research.
Her work often focuses on regenerative medicine, and her laboratory has been credited with the discovery that hydrogels can be used to protect stem cells as they are injected into the body.
Cristina Amon, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, said: “Professor Shoichet is internationally renowned for her pioneering research and for her leadership in engaging citizens in engineering, science and innovation.
“On behalf of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, I congratulate her on a richly deserved appointment.”
–Image courtesy of University of Toronto
