Ontario Genomics appoints new vice president, research

Toronto, ON – Ontario Genomics has announced the appointment of Dr. Robin Harkness as vice president, Research. In this role, Dr. Harkness will support Ontario’s researchers, and their Canadian and international co-investigators from academia and industry, towards securing funding for early-stage market driven research.

Bringing over 25 years of experience in academia, industry and the not-for-profit sector, Dr. Harkness will lead the operations of the research programs, and develop strategies to identify and cultivate potential projects and funding sources. He will support Ontario Genomics’ strategic priorities and play a pivotal role in its future growth and activities in realizing the full potential of genomics research.

“Robin’s outstanding experience in developing and managing large-scale research programs provides a tremendous advantage to our goal of advancing genomics research in Ontario”, said Mark Poznansky, president and CEO, Ontario Genomics. “Robin’s strong leadership and team management within matrix organizations will bring exceptional value in expanding Ontario Genomics’ staff expertise and capabilities. We are delighted that he will be joining the leadership team.”

During his 20-year tenure in Sanofi Pasteur, Dr. Harkness rose from section leader and senior research scientist to associate vice-president. His leadership of a $20-million emerging diseases vaccine program was particularly relevant to his new position.

In his most recent role at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer as executive director of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance, Dr. Harkness co-developed and led the implementation of the alliance’s strategy for collaborative action that will shape the direction of cancer research in Canada to 2020. He will begin his new role on November 23, 2015.