From: Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives
Date: September 4, 2026
Re: Appointment of Kristina Öhrvall as Assistant Vice-President, Research Services

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Kristina Öhrvall as Assistant Vice-President, Research Services (AVP-RS), effective October 1, 2026.

A member of the Vice-President’s executive team, the AVP-RS provides strategic advice, guidance, and institutional leadership to advance the University’s research enterprise. The role oversees institutional initiatives that strengthen U of T’s competitive position in research and ensures an environment in which researchers can successfully access a broad range of funding opportunities. The AVP-RS leads the development and oversight of processes, systems, and policies that support the planning, conduct, and administration of research funds. The AVP-RS also cultivates collaborative relationships, internally with the divisions, with U of T’s affiliates, and externally with other institutions and with research sponsors.

The AVP-RS is a critical leadership role responsible for the strategic direction and management of more than 30 Research Services Office (RSO) staff who support a large and diverse research community. Together, they steward over $600 million in annual research revenue across approximately 9,000 funds. In the role of AVP-RS, Kristina will lead this talented team in delivering high-quality services that enable research excellence across U of T’s three campuses and sustain the University’s global leadership.

Kristina is a seasoned executive in research administration and higher education. She joins U of T from McGill University, where she currently serves as Assistant Vice-President, Research Development. In this role, she oversees a broad portfolio across the research funding lifecycle for major institutional initiatives and contributes to strategic priorities in research governance, infrastructure, and long-term planning. Her work has strengthened institutional structures supporting research at scale, including major funding processes, governance and compliance frameworks, and infrastructure planning and investment. Kristina holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Luleå University of Technology and is a member of l’Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.

I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the search committee for their time and contributions.

Please join me in welcoming Kristina to the University of Toronto.