Nominee: Howard Lipshitz
Professor, University of Toronto
Brief Biosketch provided for the nominee:
Howard Lipshitz is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. After obtaining a Ph.D. in Biology at Yale University, he began studying RNA during his postdoctoral work in the Biochemistry Department at Stanford University, where he identified the first long non-coding RNA, from the Drosophila bithorax complex. He was a professor at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena before moving to Toronto. He served as Associate Director of the SickKids Research Institute, Head of what is now its Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, and then as Chair of the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University. Honors include Canada Research Chair in Developmental Biology; Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong; Qiushi Chair Professor in the Zhejiang University School of Medicine; and Gordon and Betty Moore Distinguished Scholar at the California Institute of Technology. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His research focuses on post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins in Drosophila and, more recently, in autism. He served on the board of directors of the Society for Developmental Biology and on the Drosophila Board; the editorial board of G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics as Associate Editor and then Senior Editor. He was appointed Editor in Chief of GENETICS in January 2021. He has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of RNA Canada ARN since May 2023.
Justification provided for the nominee:
Howard has graciously agreed to be nominated, and his bio and photo are attached for your reference. His wealth of experience extends beyond his current role within the organization, as he has served on the boards of multiple organizations, societies, and as editors of several journals.
Furthermore, he has held positions as a department chair and associate director of major research institutes.
Perhaps most notably, Howard has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission of RNA Canada. Over the past year, he has invested substantial time and effort in helping to establish the current structure of the organization.
His extensive experience and seniority will prove to be invaluable assets for the continued growth and consolidation of RNA Canada.