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M. Joanne Lemieux, PHD

Vice Dean, Research (Biomedical)

Dr. M. Joanne Lemieux is currently a professor in the Department of Biochemistry. She was director of the multi-departmental Membrane Protein Disease Research Group from 2018-23, and was the executive scientific director of the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness from 2023-25.

Dr. Lemieux’s research focuses on understanding the function of proteins in health and disease. Using X-ray crystallography, cryoEM, and other biophysical techniques, she and her team work to reveal structural, functional and mechanistic details of proteins with the goal of supporting the development of new drugs and vaccines. She is a member of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, the Cancer Research Institute of Northern ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology.

 

Neesh Pannu, BSc MD SM FRCPC

Vice Dean, Research (Clinical)

Dr. Neesh Pannu is a professor in the Department of Medicine, associate dean, Clinical Research Platforms & Health Outcomes, and a nephrologist. She is an internationally recognized clinician scientist with a research interest in acute kidney injury, including clinical epidemiology and health outcomes, clinical trials, health services research, and quality improvement. Her work has led to significant changes in acute kidney injury prevention, treatment and follow-up.  In 2019, Dr. Pannu received the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Health Services President’s Excellence Award for Quality Improvement. Her leadership roles include her current appointment as Scientific Director for the Kidney Health section of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Health Services Strategic Clinical Networks©. 

Dr. Pannu’s academic career combines clinical, research, and administrative responsibilities. She is committed to meaningful leadership in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI). Her quality improvement work and research focus on improving access to care and treatment options for all people with kidney disease. Since 2015, she has been engaged in patient advocacy and mobilizing resources for those struggling with health literacy, financial need, and food insecurity. 

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Role of Vice-Dean, Research

Main Accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership and advice to the dean and faculty on research matters.
• Manage the research portfolio of the faculty.
• Administer research disputes, scientific integrity issues.
• Represent the dean in his/her absence as delegated.
• Chair:
  • Faculty Research Committee
  • Northern ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Clinical Trials Research Committee Management Board
  • Faculty Search-and-Selection Committee for Research Chairs
• Voting member:
  • Dean's Executive Committee
  • Chairs' Executive Committee
  • Chairs' Committee
  • FoMD Buildings Update Committee

Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee research affairs and administration of the Office of Research.
• Oversee the review of all research grant applications.
• Administer the allocation and management of research space.
• Participate in the university's ethics review process.
• Oversee Ethics and Scientific Integrity Day.
• Manage all research grants and awards within the faculty.
• Collaborate with the Research Services Office on effective administration support for researchers and technology transfers.
• Oversee the faculty's core research facilities and services including HSLAS.
• Oversee graduate and post-doctoral education.
• Oversee MD/PhD program.
• Oversee clinical investigator program.
• Oversee Canada Research Chair nominations.
• Oversee the search-and-selection process for endowed research chairs.
• Oversee recruitment of faculty members with greater than 40 per cent research commitment.
• Oversee the approval and review of research groups, centres and institutes.
• Represent the faculty on the Northern ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Clinical Trials Board.
• Co-ordinate faculty nominations for local, provincial, national and international awards.
• Oversee and co-ordinate the FoMD Canada Foundation for Innovation allocations.
• Oversee Summer Studentship Research Program.
• Oversee Tri-council Health Support Unit and bridge funding.