Karen Chad

In 2021, Dr. Karen Chad stepped down as the Vice-President of Research at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) after thirteen years of service in this role. As a Vice-President of Research, Dr. Chad oversaw the university’s research enterprises and international activities, playing a key role in advocating and advancing innovation among provinces, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Chad successfully created a number of research centres and infrastructures, including the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, the International Minerals Innovation Institute, the Global Institutes for Food and Water Security, and the International Vaccine Centre. Dr. Chad was also instrumental in envisioning and forming Neutrons Canada, and served as the first Chair of the Canadian Neutron Initiative working group, which laid Neutrons Canada’s foundation.

Having served, chaired, or overseen more than 100 boards, committees, research programs, and teams, Dr. Chad is highly regarded for several competencies, including business and partnership development, governance, strategic planning, and developing innovative organizational structures, creative science facilities, and research infrastructure.

Dr. Chad has received numerous awards for her leadership, including the YWCA Woman of Influence Award, the International Award for Innovation in Research, the National Leadership Award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the “Woman of Influence” Business Award, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, the “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100” Award, and the Science, Technology, Innovation and Collaboration Ambassador Award for promoting science, technology, and innovation. She is a firm advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Dr. Chad is also a prolific researcher in health promotion and holds a PhD from the University of Queensland in Australia.