Management leader and knowledge mobilization expert to oversee Canadian biotherapeutics research network
The Biotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment, or BioCanRx, board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stéphanie Michaud as CEO and President of BioCanRx, effective March 14, 2016. Dr. Michaud, who was previously the Deputy Director at the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), is a knowledge mobilization champion, and highly regarded for her expertise in the management and delivery of the NCE program.
“Canada has a thriving cancer biotherapeutics research community and it’s an honour to be appointed CEO and President of BioCanRx”, said Dr. Michaud. “I am thrilled to work alongside the partners, network researchers and board of directors to realize the great potential of these novel therapeutics for cancer patients. Cancer is a disease that affects us all. The impressive technologies positioned to result from our network will reduce the complexity of cancer treatments and I am very excited to be a part of this advancement.”
Dr. Michaud takes over from BioCanRx’s inaugural CEO and President Mr. Drew Lyall who, sadly, passed away from cancer in early 2016. BioCanRx wishes to thank Mr. Christian Carswell for serving as Interim President and CEO since Mr. Lyall’s leave in 2015. Mr. Carswell will continue in his role as Director, Business Development at BioCanRx.
“Mr. Lyall was a dedicated leader and his passing has re-affirmed our commitment to what BioCanRx aims to accomplish”, said Mr. Ken Newport, Chair of the BioCanRx Board of Directors. “The Board looks forward to welcoming Dr. Michaud in her new role and working with her in the coming years to secure the network’s success in advancing biotherapeutics technologies to cancer patients.”
“Dr. Michaud has deep roots within the research community. Her knowledge of the NCE program and breadth of expertise are well-matched to the needs and objectives of BioCanRx and will position us for success”, said Dr. John Bell, Scientific Director for BioCanRx. “We are pleased and look forward to working together with Stéphanie as she builds BioCanRx into a major research platform in Canada.”
Dr. Michaud joined the NCE Secretariat in 2005 taking on the role of Deputy Director responsible for policy, performance, management and delivery of the NCE Program, NCE-Knowledge Mobilization and Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence initiatives and the Business-led NCE program. Under her stewardship, the NCE program has fostered over 12 large-scale, academically led research networks within Canada and has mobilized the research community to build collaborative and productive relationships in order to solve critical issues for Canadians.
Prior to joining the federal government, Dr. Michaud worked in the private sector for a biotechnology university spin-off firm where she served in progressively senior scientific roles culminating in the management of the R&D efforts of the chemistry group. She holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from McGill University.
The BioCanRx Board of Directors started their search for a new CEO in early 2016 and managed the appointment process. BioCanRx is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building capacity in cancer biotherapeutics in Canada through funding and supporting researchers who work together to develop the ideas, capacity and infrastructure for this thriving sector.
