SNOLAB leader appointed to expert panel on Canada’s research infrastructure

Dr. Jodi Cooley, executive director of Sudbury’s SNOLAB, has been invited to join an expert national panel tasked with improving Canada’s research infrastructure. This panel, set up by the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA), includes researchers and executives from national-scale scientific facilities to its digital platforms and collaborative networks from across Canada.

Convened at the request of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, the CCA has formed this expert panel to support the federal government in optimizing Canada’s research infrastructure. The expert panel has been tasked with answering the question: How can Canada optimize its national research infrastructure, including large-scale facilities, digital platforms, and collaborative networks, to meet current and future needs?

Cooley joins a multidisciplinary panel of experts in research infrastructure economic development, science and innovation policy who are experienced in intergovernmental and interdisciplinary collaboration. Cooley’s appointment stems from her expertise and SNOLAB’s strong leadership in Canada’s research ecosystem, the CCA said in a release.

“This committee will help shape policies that will influence not only the research sector in Canada, but also the global scientific community,” said Cooley.

“I look forward to assessing the strengths and weaknesses of Canada’s current research infrastructure portfolio, and international best practices in research infrastructure planning and development.”

The committee was announced and met for the first time on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Janet King, Chair of Polar Knowledge Canada’s Board of Directors and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Light Source’s Board of Directors, serves as panel chair.

Learn more about the CCA’s national research infrastructure assessment panel here