UBC Chemistry Appoints New Head

Professor Mike Fryzuk, a well-known inorganic chemist and former Associate Dean of Science, has been appointed head of the Department of Chemistry.

Fryzuk is internationally recognized for his research on the design and synthesis of novel transition metal complexes. He earned his PhD from the University of Toronto in 1974, was named an EWR Steacie Fellow in 1987, and elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 1997. In 2006, Fryzuk was awarded a Killam Research Fellowship for his research into the activation of molecular nitrogen.

"Mike is an outstanding researcher who has made many valuable service contributions to the department, the faculty and UBC," says Simon Peacock, Dean of Science. "That has included serving as Associate Dean of Science, and as the Canada Foundation for Innovation Coordinator for the office of the Vice-President Research and International. 

Fryzuk takes over leadership of the department from Professor Ed Grant, who completed his five-year term earlier this year, and from Professor Gren Patey, who will continue to serve as Head pro tem until March, 2011.

The Chemistry Head Search Committee consisted of Jennifer Love, Dan Bizzotto, Steve Withers, John Ellis, Natalie Campbell, Anita Yuk and Mike Gold.