Melanie Woodin, an internationally recognized neuroscientist who studies the mechanisms underlying learning and memory in the brain, has been named the University of Toronto's 17th president.
(photo by Johnny Guatto)
The appointment is for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2025. It was approved on March 26 by U of T's Governing Council and is the result of an international search that began in March 2024. Woodin will succeed current U of T President Meric Gertler, who has served in the role since 2013.
"I am profoundly honoured to accept this appointment to lead an institution that I care about deeply," says Woodin. "U of T is widely recognized as one of the world's best universities and a highly trusted source for ideas, research, innovation and talent.
"I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of President Gertler - a distinguished leader whose vision, expertise and dedication have propelled our institution to new heights. I will work tirelessly to build on the legacies of the eminent scholars who have guided the university since our founding almost two centuries ago and to deepen U of T's contribution to human, social and economic well-being."
Anna Kennedy, chair of the Governing Council and the Presidential Search Committee, notes that Woodin was selected following a rigorous process supported by a globally recognized executive search firm.
"Our assessment was guided by selection criteria that were carefully developed following extensive consultations with the university community and beyond," says Kennedy. "The committee unanimously determined that Melanie Woodin is the right person to lead us forward into U of T's third century. She is an individual of great vision and integrity who is thoroughly committed to this institution and its special role in Canada and the world."
Woodin is a professor in the department of cell and systems biology and has been dean of the university's Faculty of Arts & Science - Canada's largest and most comprehensive faculty - since 2019. The author or co-author of over 50 academic papers, books and chapters, her research explores how neurons communicate and process information, how the strength of that activity (called plasticity) affects brain function and how changes to these mechanisms lead to neurological disorders and diseases.
"Professor Woodin is a widely respected scholar, teacher, mentor and administrator. She's also a highly accomplished and authentic leader who is passionate about student success," says President Gertler. "Leading a faculty that is larger than many great universities in North America, she is no stranger to complexity. She will enthusiastically champion the myriad disciplines found across our tri-campus learning community. She will also collaborate effectively with our federated universities and affiliated hospitals, and strengthen relationships with our global alumni community and the wide range of communities, institutions and private-sector partners that are vital to U of T's future."
Woodin completed her bachelor of science degree in biology in 1995 and master of science degree in zoology in 1997 at U of T, and obtained her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Calgary in 2001. Following postdoctoral study at the University of California, Berkeley, she joined U of T in 2004 as an assistant professor and was promoted to full professor in 2017.
She has received research funding from Canada's major granting councils, among others, and was named as one of five researchers at U of T and its affiliated hospitals to receive a New Ideas Award for her work using gene therapy to delay the onset of symptoms in neurodegenerative disease.
Woodin is the president of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and serves on the board of directors at the Vector Institute.
"Taking on this position is an enormous privilege and a tremendous responsibility. After completing two degrees at U of T and having dedicated over two decades of my career here, I know first-hand that U of T is an unstoppable force for good. I can't wait to put my energy to work to serve our community and to advocate broadly for Canada's leading university," says Woodin. "I am truly excited by the possibilities before us."
