Following a competitive global search, internationally recognized researcher and experienced university administrator Gianni Parise has been named McMaster’s next Vice-President, Research.

Parise brings more than 20 years of research, academic and institutional leadership expertise to the position, having served as acting Dean and Associate Dean of Research in McMaster’s Faculty Science and as acting Deputy Vice-President, Research, among many other roles.

“Dr. Parise’s distinguished track record as a researcher and academic leader, along with his strategic vision and deep institutional knowledge make him the clear choice to advance McMaster’s research enterprise,” says McMaster University President David Farrar.

“His proven ability to navigate complex research initiatives, develop strong partnerships, and move the university’s priorities forward will be invaluable in strengthening research capacity across the university and enhancing McMaster’s position as a global powerhouse.”

As Vice-President, Research, Parise will oversee the university’s extensive research ecosystem, including leading initiatives that help researchers secure and manage funding, connect with research and industry partners, support programming and initiatives that create new opportunities for researchers and enhance the national and global reputation of McMaster research and scholarship.

Parise will also work in partnership with the McMaster Innovation Park to develop programs that support and accelerate innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship across campus and in the region.

“McMaster is a world-class research institution with strengths across all disciplines. It’s a hub of discovery and innovation, powered by an incredible community of researchers — faculty and students — who are driven to make a meaningful impact and advance social and economic progress,” says Parise.

“I’m excited and ready to support their individual and collective pursuits, champion their efforts to commercialize innovation and mobilize knowledge, and build on McMaster’s strong tradition of research excellence as we tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Parise is a leading researcher in the area of human muscle stem cell biology and aging, supervising nearly 100 students and publishing 135 papers throughout his career. He has received numerous research awards, including an Early Researcher Award from the province of Ontario and the Young Investigator Award from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

For two decades, he has held continuous Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) grants. He has also been the recipient of grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

As acting Dean of Science, acting Deputy Vice-President, Research, and Associate Dean of Research and External Relations, Parise spearheaded initiatives to enhance research infrastructure, launch commercialization seed funds and promote interdisciplinary collaborations.

He also played a significant role in the development of McMaster’s Strategic Research Plan and has built strong external relationships to advance McMaster’s research priorities.

Andy Knights will continue to serve as acting Vice-President, Research, until Parise begins his five-year appointment on July 1, 2025.

“We have been fortunate to have Dr. Knights serve as the acting Vice-President, Research, over the past two years,” says Farrar. “He has played a pivotal role in advancing a number of key priorities, including nuclear research, commercialization and entrepreneurship and developing the Strategic Research Plan.

“On behalf of the entire university community, I want to extend my sincere thanks and deep appreciation to Dr. Knights for his leadership.”