Memorial appoints Dr André McDonald as inaugural Vice‑President (Research and Innovation) for a five‑year term starting Oct. 19, 2026

Dr. André McDonald started on Oct. 19, 2026, as Memorial University's first Vice‑President (Research and Innovation) for a five‑year mandate. He plans to work with research administrators to streamline administrative supports, develop targeted training (administrative platforms, strategic grant writing), and diversify funding sources to grow research. His priorities include strengthening interdisciplinary research communities across campuses and improving external promotion of Memorial’s research and innovation. McDonald highlighted Memorial’s geographic position at North America’s eastern edge as a gateway to the Arctic, the North Atlantic and Europe, as a basis for building new partnerships in areas such as energy, defence and ocean science.