Vice-President, Research & Innovation

Dr. Shayan Sharif was appointed as the University of Guelph’s interim vice-president, research and innovation (VPRI), in November 2024, after serving as acting vice-president, research and innovation since August 2024.

Prior to that, since 2023, he served as interim associate vice-president (research, agri-food partnership), where he provided strategic management and oversight for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and University of Guelph agreement, the largest single research partnership at the University.

In this role, Sharif led various research programs, training initiatives and agri-food research centres owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and operated by U of G, including those at the Ridgetown Campus. He also oversaw the Laboratory Services Division and fostered relationships with a range of public- and private-sector partners.

Sharif is a professor of immunology whose research focuses on poultry diseases, such as avian influenza. He is dedicated to developing innovative vaccines to control these infections. Additionally, in the past, he led the Poultry Health Research Network, collaborating with experts from academia, government and industry. More recently, he was instrumental in establishing a translational health initiative at the University, bridging veterinary and human health research to translate laboratory discoveries into treatments for both animals and humans.

Sharif became a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2022.