UNB announces creation of Fulcrum advisory board in support of industry engagement
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Nov 15, 2021
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
Continuing its renewed drive to support industry innovation, the University of New Brunswick has assembled a group of industry leaders to provide insight to its Research & Innovation Partnerships group.
The initial advisory board, organized as part of the vice-president (research)-led Fulcrum initiative, brings together five recognized New Brunswick industry leaders: Denis Caron, president and CEO of the Belledune Port Authority; Duncan Gallant, research and evaluation coordinator at JEDI, the Joint Economic Development Initiative; Alicia Roisman Ismach, head of Atlantic Fintech (powered by Venn Innovation); Beth Webster, vice-president, Populus Global Solutions; and Pat Whalen, chairman and CEO of LuminUltra Technologies.
“We’re thrilled to have such dynamic and committed business leaders join us on this project,” said Hart Devitt, director of UNB’s Research & Innovation Partnerships group and lead for the Fulcrum initiative. “New Brunswick is already home to a thriving innovation community, and we’re very much looking forward to working with this group and with our partners to support economic and social growth in our region.”
The advisory board is composed of industry leaders from across the province who bring a broad depth of experience and who have demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and innovation throughout their career. The board’s expert guidance will strengthen relationships between industry and academia and enhance UNB contributions to regional, national and global innovation, and in so doing, will facilitate economic growth by supporting the Atlantic Canada Growth Strategy’s priority areas.
Led by Dr. David MaGee, UNB's vice-president (research), the Fulcrum initiative reorients research partnership activities to facilitate engagement outside of UNB. It represents a drive to increase UNB’s presence in the world and to meet its partners where they are, with the support they need, when and how they need it. This drive includes focusing effort and resources in areas where there is a strong opportunity or need, and where UNB can bring a wide range of expertise to bear.
“I wish to thank our advisory board members, all of whom have enthusiastically agreed to share their time and insight with us,” said Dr. MaGee. “The passion and experience that they bring to the table will support our vision that UNB plays an important role in bringing together industry, academia, government and community in support of a stronger, healthier and more innovative Atlantic Canada.”
Profiles of the advisory board are available from Research & Innovation Partnerships, as is additional information on how to partner with UNB and about its Fulcrum initiative.
Media contact: Jeremy Elder-Jubelin