U of T Engineering alumnus Paul Thomas Jenkins (ElecE MASc 8T5) has been appointed Chair of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
NRC is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. It operates world-class research facilities as well as information, technology and innovation support networks from coast to coast.
“On behalf of U of T Engineering, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Jenkins on this esteemed leadership position relevant to Canada’s research enterprise,” said Professor Ted Sargent (ECE), U of T Engineering’s vice-dean of research. “I look forward to working in collaboration with Mr. Jenkins and the NRC as we continue to make tremendous advances in addressing some of the world’s most significant challenges.”
Jenkins pioneered many of the technologies commonly used online today. As CEO of software company OpenText Corporation, he was instrumental in creating one of the first search engines on the web and led the company from startup to achieving the first Internet IPO in Canada.
Jenkins is currently chairman of the board of OpenText Corporation and has served as a member of its board since 1994. He is an executive fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary and a member of the board of directors of both the C.D. Howe Institute and the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. He was the chair of the six-member expert panel that conducted the Review of Federal Support to Research and Development.
“I would like to welcome Mr. Jenkins in his new role as chair of the National Research Council of Canada,” said James Moore, minister of industry. “His over 30 years of experience in innovation and economic development in both the private and public sectors in Canada will be of immense value to the Council.
Jenkins has been an active philanthropist for the benefit of universities, hospitals and a variety of historical and cultural organizations. He was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada in 2011 for his contributions to education and innovation in Canada, and received the Canadian Forces Decoration in 2013 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
— Jamie Hunter