From:  Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research & Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives
Date:  March 21, 2022
Re: Call for Nominations — Associate Vice-President, Research Oversight and Compliance

The Division of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, invites nominations of individuals to be considered as Associate Vice-President, Research Oversight and Compliance (AVP-ROC). Interested individuals may self-nominate. Professor Lorraine Ferris’ final term as Associate Vice-President will end June 30, 2024. 

This role is critical to the University’s research mission, providing academic and strategic leadership within the Division of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. The AVP-ROC has overall responsibility for ensuring the University fulfills its ethical, legal and financial reporting obligations associated with research. The AVP-ROC manages the Research Oversight and Compliance Office (ROCO) leading a vibrant and skilled team. They provide leadership on several important areas, including the Animal Care and Use Program, Environmental Health and Safety, Research Financial Reporting and Audit, and Human Research Ethics.  The AVP-ROC is an academic leader in the area of the responsible conduct of research and oversees all allegations of research misconduct. 

The AVP-ROC is the regulatory contact for the appropriate institutional licenses/certifications to allow research to be conducted. The AVP-ROC provides proactive academic leadership in research integrity, responsible conduct of research, and in risk management in changeable regulatory environments while engaging collaboratively with the academic units. The AVP-ROC also works closely with the leadership of the University’s affiliated hospitals in the Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network (TAHSN). Research Oversight and Compliance is a complex and exciting portfolio with a dedicated team that provides an important service to the University, as management of risk allows researchers and learners to conduct their research in a safe and appropriate environment.  

I invite nominations of individuals to be considered as Associate Vice-President and encourage nominations of those who reflect the diversity of our community. Nominations are welcome by email to Renee Brost, Chief Administrative Officer (renee.brost@utoronto.ca) by May 10, 2023. Communications will be received in confidence.