posted on Feb. 25: Government relations, research funding opportunities focus for two advisers

McMaster University announces the appointment of two senior advisers who will focus on opportunities in the areas of government relations and research.

Peter Sadlier-Brown has been appointed government relations adviser in the Office of the President.

Prior to his appointment at the University, Sadlier-Brown held a number of senior executive positions in the Ontario government. He was an assistant deputy minister in the Ministries of Finance, Labour, Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently, Economic Development and Trade. Before joining the provincial government, Sadlier-Brown worked for the C. D. Howe Research Institute, a labour union, and on Parliament Hill.

Nick Markettos, on a year's secondment from the Ministry of Energy, Science & Technology, has joined the University as a special adviser to Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs.

“Peter and Nick bring a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise to the University,” said Acting President Peter Sutherland. “They will be instrumental in helping McMaster foster new relationships with government, map out a blueprint to enhance our current relationships and build on existing partnerships in our research enterprise. I'm delighted they are on board.”

Sadlier-Brown, who reports to the President, is working with University vice-presidents and academic leaders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for government relations. He is providing advice on strengthening the University's relationship with the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

“My role is to help shape a broader, longer term view of how McMaster can effectively work with the various level of governments,” Sadlier-Brown said.

“The goal is to make sure that the University's interests are taken into account when a government makes decisions that affect it,” he said. “McMaster has so many strengths that are not as recognized as they might be by government decision makers. We are developing a plan to change that.”

Markettos's focus is on major research initiatives that are consistent with the University's strategic priorities. He is working with Shoukri, and, in turn, all Faculties, to develop plans for research projects and to co-ordinate relevant partnerships with industry or government.

Markettos, who has a master's of engineering degree from McMaster, has experience in both the private sector and 20 years experience in the provincial government. In his most recent position as manager of science, technology awareness & innovation in the ministry, Markettos was responsible for developing the Culture of Innovation initiative. It involved a series of science and technology awareness grants programs developed in collaboration with academic, government and community organizations.

Markettos encourages faculty and staff to contact him at his Gilmour Hall office to discuss research initiatives.

“This university has such an enormous wealth of expertise and a large part of my role will be to match that expertise with an appropriate industrial partner while securing necessary funds,” Markettos said.