A message from Robert McMaster, Vice Dean, Research and Mark MacLachlan, Dean, pro tem, Faculty of Science.
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Leonard Foster has been appointed Director, Life Sciences Institute (LSI) in the Faculties of Medicine and Science, effective from February 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.
Dr. Leonard Foster is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, where he has also served as Head since 2018 following interim leadership from 2016. Dr. Foster’s research focuses on developing and applying quantitative proteomic and other systems biology methods to study how pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, cause disease.
His research has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Genome British Columbia Award for Science Excellence and the Tony Pawson Proteomics Award from the Canadian National Proteomics Network. Dr. Foster has also received the UBC Killam Prize for Research and the UBC Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring, recognizing his outstanding contributions as a mentor to graduate students.
As Director, LSI, Dr. Foster will guide the development of innovative, interdisciplinary life sciences research at UBC in alignment with the institute’s broader mission. Working with the LSI Executive, he will establish and implement strategic goals for the LSI. Dr. Foster will support the research of LSI investigators and research scientists, and play a key role in developing and strengthening partnerships to advance scholarly activities and translate new discoveries.
Dr. Foster’s appointment follows the interim leadership of Dr. James Johnson. We would like to thank Dr. Johnson for his leadership during this period, and for his many contributions in his former role as the LSI’s Deputy Director. During his time as Deputy Director followed by Interim Director, the LSI became a designated Global Research Excellence Institute, which is helping advance global excellence in collaborative and interdisciplinary research at UBC. We wish to thank Dr. Johnson for the instrumental role he has played bringing diverse teams together, increasing the institute’s revenue, and advocating for the LSI and its many people.
Please join us in thanking Dr. Johnson for his contributions and congratulating Dr. Foster on his appointment.
