Reappointment review for Associate Vice-President, Innovation

SFU has begun the reappointment review process for the associate vice-president, innovation (AVPI) in accordance with the procedures set out in policy GP 29, Search Committees for Vice-Presidents and Associate Vice-Presidents.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, the AVPI will provide leadership for SFU's innovation ecosystem, partnerships, entrepreneurship, venture creation and research impact. The AVPI works closely with the Associate Vice-President, Research to support the implementation of SFU’s Strategic Research Plan that defines priority areas of research strength and focus for 2023-2028. 

The review process will include broad consultation across the university and with appropriate external constituents. Feedback gathered through this process will help inform the search committee’s assessment and recommendation.

Background

In 2022, the Associate Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation role was created as a new leadership position. Since that time, each of the AVP roles within the Research and Innovation portfolio have evolved and the VPRI title has also changed to Vice-President, Research and Innovation. To reflect the portfolio’s evolution, the Associate Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation title will become Associate Vice-President, Innovation. The role will provide leadership for SFU's innovation ecosystem, partnerships, entrepreneurship, venture creation and research impact. The evolution of the Innovation portfolio is intended to strengthen SFU's ability to advance innovation and maximize the impact of its research for communities, partners and society.

Knowledge mobilization continues to be a core research service and the responsibility for the Knowledge Mobilization Hub has transitioned to the Associate Vice-President, Research, to align with research support and resourcing more closely at SFU. These changes are intended to strengthen alignment across SFU's research and innovation activities while providing dedicated leadership to advance the goals of What's Next: The SFU Strategy and SFU’s 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan.

AVPI Search Community Consultation

Members of the SFU community are invited to participate in this process and help shape the future leadership and direction of SFU’s innovation portfolio. The consultation process is expected to take place between December 2026 to February 2027 and will include a community survey, written submission and a virtual forum.