Dr. Kevin Vessey
Dr. Kevin Vessey is among the latest appointments to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the nation’s focal point for discovery and innovation in natural sciences and engineering.
The appointment was announced recently by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
Dr. Vessey joins 18 distinguished Canadian’s on NSERC’s governing council. NSERC is a federal research agency that plays an important role in Canada’s research and scientific landscape. It invests over $1.2 billion a year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada
“It is an honour to have been appointed to NSERC,” said Dr. Vessey. “I look forward to working with President Mario Pinto and the other Council Members to help oversee the extremely important work of NSERC in its mandate to support research and innovation across Canada.”
While on Council, Dr. Vessey plans to stress the importance of supporting excellent research at universities of all sizes across Canada, and to promote their vital role in innovation and development in their communities.
Dr. Kevin Vessey has extensive experience effectively administering research activities. During his twelve-year tenure as Associate Vice President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at Saint Mary’s University, externally sponsored research at the university doubled from approximately $4 million to $8 million annually.
“Dr. Vessey has established a strong national reputation as a leader in research and research administration,” said Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice President, Academic and Research, at Saint Mary’s University. “His skills in this area will be a strong addition to the NSERC Council, and the Saint Mary’s community is very proud of him and this appointment.”
Dr. Vessey has served on boards, advisory committees, and grant selection committees for numerous national and international research organizations, including NSERC, the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, the Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust, the Offshore Energy Research Association, and TRIUMF.
An award-winning biologist, Dr. Vessey maintains an active research program in applied plant biology. He is a professor with the Department of Biology, in the Faculty of Science at Saint Mary’s University.