Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and the Vice-President Research Emeritus at the University of Lethbridge, has accepted a position as the Vice-President, Research at the University of Regina, beginning in July, 2011.

Fitzpatrick joined the U of L in 1999, and significantly expanded the research footprint of the University in many directions.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Dennis. His contributions here were significant, and we wish him well in this new role at the University of Regina," says U of L President Mike Mahon.

During his time at the University of Lethbridge, Fitzpatrick made a significant contribution to expanding the University's research beyond grant management to include strategic planning, team building, project development and the funding of numerous large institutional research initiatives in all three of the Tri-Council research domains.

Notable successes included the development of the University of Lethbridge's first industry partnership with the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Corporation, the funding of the Albert Ingenuity Centre for Water Research, a SSHRC Community University Research Alliance Grant, an NSERC Capacity Development Grant and the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Polaris Award.

Prior to becoming Vice-President (Research) at the University of Lethbridge, Fitzpatrick held a series of academic and administrative appointments at the University of Manitoba. He began his academic career at that university after graduating in 1981 with his PhD from Rutgers University in New Jersey.