Two members of the GRAND team have recently taken on significant new roles in the academic and research community. GRAND is pleased to congratulate International Scientific Advisory Committee member Dr. Arvind Gupta and Board of Directors member Jim Brookes on their new appointments. Both individuals have played key roles in fostering closer ties and collaboration within the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) family.
Dr. Gupta has been named incoming president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia where he has been a professor of computer science since 2009. He will succeed outgoing president Stephen Toope and start a five-year term beginning July 1, 2014. Jim Brookes is also taking on a new leadership position. He will be stepping up to be the new Executive Director of the NeuroDevNet Network of Centres of Excellence, effective immediately.
Dr. Gupta is currently the CEO and scientific director of Mitacs (formerly MITACS NCE), a highly respected national organization with headquarters at UBC, which he has led since 2000. Prior to joining Mitacs, Arvind helped found the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences and the Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery.
In 2003, Dr. Gupta and his team initiated Mitacs Accelerate, a successful Canada-wide internship program that links businesses with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows through applied research projects. GRAND works closely with Mitacs to match GRAND HQP with companies that participate in this and other Mitacs programs. As a member of the International Science Advisory Committee, Dr. Gupta has helped ensure that GRAND is well aligned with international priorities through a world class research program.
Brookes has served as the Chief Development Officer for NeuroDevNet since 2010. He joined Mitacs as their Chief Operating Officer, a position he held from 2002 - 2010. Prior to that, he worked in the telecommunications sector for over 25 years at BC Tel, Stentor and TELUS and held a variety of senior positions in Business Development, Marketing and General Management.
As a member of GRAND’s Board of Directors, Brookes lent his insight and experience to support the establishment and growth of GRAND. He has been a strong supporter of industry internships for GRAND HQP in the Mitacs Accelerate program. As part of this effort, he helped pave the way for a highly successful multi-year collaboration between GRAND and NeuroDevNet to develop game technology, social networking, and digital media applications for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Brookes takes over from former NeuroDevNet Executive Director Nicky Lewis, who stepped down earlier this year. His leadership will help guide the NCE as it embarks upon Network renewal with the final year of its initial five-year funding. GRAND and NeuroDevNet expect to continue and expand their existing research partnership during the upcoming Phase 2 of the two networks.