Dr. Lisa Kalynchuk is an innovative and inspiring leader who is always looking to push the boundaries of
what is possible. She was appointed as Vice-President Research and Innovation at UVic in 2019 and
reappointed in 2024.
Dr. Kalynchuk has learned, taught, discovered and led at six of the top universities in Canada. She has
served in a number of positions – ranking from faculty member to Canada Research Chair to research
group director to associate dean, special advisor to the provost, associate vice-president research and
finally vice-president research and innovation. She has also served on 14 corporate and non-profit
boards.
In her research, Dr. Kalynchuk is international recognized for her work to undercover the neurobiological
consequences of chronic stress and how stress can lead to depression and other mental health
disorders. She has also helped identify promising new antidepressant therapeutics for clinical use and
novel biomarkers for rapid diagnosis of depression and psychosis.
Dr. Kalynchuk brings great passion and energy to her work as a senior leader. She takes a consultative,
team first approach and is committed to inclusion and diversity of thought. She has led several major
strategic planning exercises, including the development of Aspiration 2030, UVic’s research strategy, and
been a driving force toward doubling UVic’s research revenues and success in several major national
funding competitions.
