Indo-Canadian H. Deep Saini Named Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University
- Currently president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, he will begin his new role in April.
Canada’s McGill University has named H. Deep Saini as its 18th principal and vice-chancellor, the university announced earlier this month. He will begin his five-year, renewable term on April 1, 2023. “Saini was chosen by a unanimous vote of the Board of Governors, following a recommendation of an advisory committee formed to lead an extensive, international search,” the university said.
The Indo-Canadian, who has lived in Montreal for close to two decades, has held national and international governance and advisory roles. McGill says “Saini has a keen understanding of Quebec culture,” and is fluent in four languages, including English and French.
Saini has worked at four of the top 15 research-intensive universities in the country and is currently the president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Additionally, he serves as vice-chair on the board of directors of Universities Canada and will begin his term as chair in 2023. He previously served as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra in Australia.
In a university press release, Saini said he is “honored and humbled” to be chosen as McGill’s next principal and vice-chancellor. “I am looking forward with great anticipation to returning to Montreal, joining this illustrious community, and making a bold contribution to the university’s most promising future.”
Saini grew up in India, where he completed his Master of Science in Botany from Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. He then moved to Australia to earn a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Adelaide.
He has earned several awards and recognitions, including honors from the Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists, Nanjing University, the Royal Society of New South Wales, the Punjab Academy of Sciences, and the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. He is also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Diamond Jubilee Medals, in recognition of his service to education and Canada.