Leadership update from VCHRI
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. James Johnson as Associate Director, Fundamental Research and Preclinical Models, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), effective April 1, 2024.
Dr. Johnson is a professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences and the Department of Surgery within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Since joining UBC in 2004, he has built a distinguished career in fundamental research and preclinical models. Between 2016 and 2018, he served as the inaugural site head at the Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford and vice president at Novo Nordisk Ltd. More recently, Dr. Johnson's instrumental role in steering the UBC Life Sciences Institute to its most successful era of fundraising and core professionalization reflects his proficiency in navigating challenges intrinsic to research institutions.
Dr. Johnson’s interdisciplinary research leadership, which spans from basic cell physiology to clinical trials, aligns perfectly with VCHRI's core strengths. His commitment to collaborative work in academia and industry, coupled with his experience in utilizing advanced preclinical models and omics technologies, will bolster VCHRI's translational research endeavors and drive high impact innovation.
In his role with VCHRI, Dr. Johnson will provide strategic leadership to advance the fundamental research portfolio and oversee the development and utilization of preclinical models to expedite scientific breakthroughs aligned with VCHRI's overarching vision, mission and values. He will spearhead initiatives to create and improve research infrastructure and facilities. Dr. Johnson has a strong track record of mentoring, and his leadership will be instrumental in fostering collaborations among scientists, clinicians, trainees, as well as other health care professionals within the VCH/UBC research community.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Johnson to his new role at VCHRI. With his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to nurturing research communities and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, we anticipate his contributions will accelerate the success and expansion of our institute.
Sincerely,
Teresa S.M. Tsang, MD, FRCPC, FACC, FASE
Executive Director, VCHRI
Associate Dean, Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine
