VP Research earns prestigious Prix de l'ADARUQ
Concordia’s Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies Louise Dandurand’s contributions to the development of research in Quebec have earned her a prestigious prize from the Association des administratrices et administrateurs de recherche universitaire du Québec (ADARUQ).
Dandurand is the recipient of the association’s annual Prix de l’ADARUQ, created to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of research in Quebec, or in the development of research administration in the province.
“Really for us, this was a slam dunk,” explains Dominique Michaud, president of ADARUQ, adding that Dandurand has been an impressive innovator in the promotion of research throughout her years of public service. “She was the first tenured president of the Fonds québécois de recherche sur la société et la culture (FQRSC). As such she was a visionary.”
During her tenure at FQRSC, Dandurand notably spearheaded new funding programs focused on research-creation and interdisciplinary research efforts around the province’s strategic priorities. She also increased research initiatives created in concert with government partners.
Dandurand says she was delighted to receive the prestigious prize from ADARUQ. “It is a great honor to be recognized by my peers in the Quebec university research administration community. I have had the opportunity of holding challenging jobs both in universities and granting agencies, and I am very moved that my contribution has been underlined in such a way.”
Prior to her tenure as president of FQRSC, Dandurand served as vice-rector, strategic and financial planning, at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), before becoming its vice-president of research, creation and strategic planning. Michaud (BA 82) who is now a research and planning administrator at UQAM, worked under Dandurand. “ I was a newbie to the profession at the time, and [Dandurand] was a great role model for me,” she says.
As Concordia’s first vice-president, research and graduates studies, Dandurand oversaw significant increases in Concordia’s research capacity. “Dr. Dandurand has made a significant contribution to Concordia during her tenure,” said President Lowy last spring, when the vice-president announced she would be retiring. “Under her dynamic leadership, the university’s research profile has grown substantially, both nationally and internationally. She has also been a stalwart supporter of graduate studies as an integral element in a broader research and training agenda at Concordia.
Dandurand has held the position of vice-president of research and graduate studies at Concordia since 2006. Throughout her career, she has served on the boards or steering committees of numerous national and international organizations supporting higher education, research, creation and innovation.
Each recipient of the ADARUQ prize becomes an honorary lifetime member of the organization, and receives a work of art by a Quebec artist. Dandurand received two plates created by renowned painter-enameller Bernard Séguin Poirier.
Related links:
• Prix d’ADARUQ
• “Louise Dandurand to Retire as Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies” – NOW, May 10, 2011
• Office of Research and Graduate Studies