Vice-Dean of Research

Richard Lehner, PHD

Vice Dean, Research (Basic)

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Dr. Richard Lehner obtained his undergraduate education in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Chemical Technology in Prague and at the University of Toronto and his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Toronto. He then pursued postdoctoral training at CNRS in France and at the University of Alberta. Currently, he is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics, as well as an adjunct professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Director of a research group on Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids and Associate Dean Research, Facilities and Cores in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

He serves on multiple departmental and faculty committees, national peer review grant committees and is a member of several international advisory committees and boards of scientific journals concerned with lipid and lipoprotein research. His main research interests lie in the regulation of fat storage and metabolism and the identification of novel therapeutic targets for lowering hepatic and blood lipid levels. He has been recognized nationally and internationally (Pfizer Cardiovascular Research Award, Harvard Medical School Anna Lee Memorial Lectureship, Canadian Lipoprotein Conference Simon Pierre Noel Lectureship) and was a recipient of AHFMR Scholar, Senior Scholar and Scientist Salary Awards (1999-2017). His research is currently supported by grants from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Cancer Research Society (CRS).

Neesh Pannu, BSc MD SM FRCPC

Vice Dean, Research (Clinical)

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Dr. Neesh Pannu is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Associate Dean, Clinical Research Platforms & Health Outcomes, and a nephrologist. She is an internationally recognized clinician scientist with a research interest in acute kidney injury, including clinical epidemiology and health outcomes, clinical trials, health services research, and quality improvement. Her work has led to significant changes in acute kidney injury prevention, treatment and follow-up.  In 2019, Dr. Pannu received the Alberta Health Services President’s Excellence Award for Quality Improvement. Her leadership roles include her current appointment as Scientific Director for the Kidney Health section of Alberta Health Services Strategic Clinical Networks©. 

Dr. Pannu’s academic career combines clinical, research, and administrative responsibilities. She is committed to meaningful leadership in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI). Her quality improvement work and research focus on improving access to care and treatment options for all people with kidney disease. Since 2015, she has been engaged in patient advocacy and mobilizing resources for those struggling with health literacy, financial need, and food insecurity. 

 

Role of Vice-Dean, Research

Main Accountabilities

  • Provide strategic leadership and advice to the dean and faculty on research matters.
  • Manage the research portfolio of the faculty.
  • Administer research disputes, scientific integrity issues.
  • Represent the dean in his/her absence as delegated.
  • Chair:
    • Faculty Research Committee
    • Northern Alberta Clinical Trials Research Committee Management Board
    • Faculty Search-and-Selection Committee for Research Chairs
  • Voting member:
    • Dean's Executive Committee
    • Chairs' Executive Committee
    • Chairs' Committee
    • FoMD Buildings Update Committee

Specific Responsibilities

  • Oversee research affairs and administration of the Office of Research.
  • Oversee the review of all research grant applications.
  • Administer the allocation and management of research space.
  • Participate in the university's ethics review process.
  • Oversee Ethics and Scientific Integrity Day.
  • Manage all research grants and awards within the faculty.
  • Collaborate with the Research Services Office on effective administration support for researchers and technology transfers.
  • Oversee the faculty's core research facilities and services including HSLAS.
  • Oversee graduate and post-doctoral education.
  • Oversee MD/PhD program.
  • Oversee clinical investigator program.
  • Oversee Canada Research Chair nominations.
  • Oversee the search-and-selection process for endowed research chairs.
  • Oversee recruitment of faculty members with greater than 40 per cent research commitment.
  • Oversee the approval and review of research groups, centres and institutes.
  • Represent the faculty on the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials Board.
  • Co-ordinate faculty nominations for local, provincial, national and international awards.
  • Oversee and co-ordinate the FoMD Canada Foundation for Innovation allocations.
  • Oversee Summer Studentship Research Program.
  • Oversee Tri-council Health Support Unit and bridge funding.