Scientific Officer
Born in England, Mark Bisby emigrated to Canada after receiving his PhD from Oxford University. He worked at McMaster University, the University of Calgary, and Queen’s University, teaching and pursuing his research interests.
From 1989 to 1990, he was President of the Canadian Federation of Biological Societies, and served as President of the Canadian Physiological Society for 1992–1993.
In 1997, he became the Director of the Programs Branch of the former Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada, planning the transition between the MRC and the new Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), with their broader vision of the disciplines and approaches in a comprehensive approach to health research. As Vice-President (Research Portfolio) of CIHR, he was responsible for the design and operation of CIHR’s programs, policies and procedures, in collaboration with the Scientific Directors of CIHR’s 13 Institutes. He was also for a couple of years Acting VP of Knowledge Translation.
Dr. Bisby retired from CIHR in August 2006, and continues to pursue pursues his interests in science policy as an independent consultant. He also serves on a number of boards and advisory committees for research organizations, and as a Scientific Officer for CHSRF.