(Vancouver, BC) – After a seven month, highly competitive, international
search for TRIUMF’s next director, the laboratory’s Board of Management
announced today that Dr. Jonathan Bagger, Krieger-Eisenhower Professor, Vice
Provost, and former Interim Provost at the Johns Hopkins University, will
join TRIUMF this summer as the laboratory’s next director.
TRIUMF is Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics,
focusing on probing the structure and origins of matter and advancing
isotopes for science and medicine. Located on the campus of the University
of British Columbia, TRIUMF is owned and operated by a consortium of 18
leading Canadian universities and supported by the federal and provincial
governments.
Bagger was attracted to TRIUMF because, “Its collaborative,
interdisciplinary model represents the future for much of science. TRIUMF
helps Canada connect fundamental research to important societal goals,
ranging from health and safety to education and innovation.” Noting
TRIUMF’s new strategic plan that recently secured five years of core funding
from the Government of Canada, he added, “It is an exciting time to lead the
laboratory.”
Bagger brings extensive experience to the job. Professor Paul Young, Chair
of TRIUMF’s Board of Management and Vice-President of Research and
Innovation at the University of Toronto, said, “Jon is an outstanding,
internationally renowned physicist with a wealth of leadership experience
and a track record of excellence. He is a welcome addition to Canada and I
am confident that under his tenure, TRIUMF will continue to flourish.”
Jim Hanlon, Interim CEO/Chief Administrator Officer of TRIUMF and President
and CEO of Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc., welcomed the news. He
said, “The laboratory has been shaped and served greatly by its past
directors. Today the need continues for an extraordinary combination of
vision, leadership, and excellence. Jon will bring all of this and more to
TRIUMF. On behalf of the staff, we’re excited about moving forward with Jon
at the helm.”
Bagger expressed his enthusiasm in moving across the border to join TRIUMF
as the next director. “TRIUMF is known internationally for its impressive
capabilities in science and engineering, ranging from rare-isotope studies
on its Vancouver campus to its essential contributions to the Higgs boson
discovery at CERN. All rest on the legendary dedication and commitment of
TRIUMF’s researchers and staff. I look forward to working with this
terrific team to advance innovation and discovery in Vancouver, in Canada,
and on the international stage.”
Bagger will lead the laboratory for a six-year term beginning July 1. He
reports he is ready to go: “I have installed a metric speedometer in my
car, downloaded the Air Canada app, and cleansed my home of all Washington
Capitals gear.”