Genome Canada is proud to announce the appointment of Bonnie Schmidt, CM, PhD, FRSC, ICD.D as Chair of its Board of Directors.
Dr. Schmidt joined the Board in June 2020 and served as Vice-Chair from 2022 to 2025. She also led the Governance, Election and Compensation Committee, where her commitment to principled, forward-looking governance has helped shape Genome Canada’s strategic direction and organizational resilience.
A nationally recognized leader in science education and public engagement, Dr. Schmidt is the founder and president of Let’s Talk Science. Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than 21 million youth and educators across Canada, engaging over 30,000 volunteers to inspire the next generation through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Her influence extends beyond education. Dr. Schmidt initiated Canada 2067, a national initiative to reimagine STEM learning for the future, and has contributed to national and international policy through roles with the OECD and the Government of Canada. She has served on numerous boards, including Ontario Genomics and Ontario Tech University, and is a founding co-chair of the Science and Technology Awareness Network.
For her efforts in education and youth development, Dr. Schmidt has received more than a dozen awards, including an Honorary Degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. She was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2018. In 2024, she received the inaugural Science & Society Trailblazer Award from the Canadian Science Policy Centre.
“Bonnie brings a powerful combination of visionary leadership, scientific understanding, and a steadfast commitment to good governance,” says Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada. “Her passion for science and her ability to build bridges across sectors will be instrumental as we continue to harness the power of genomics to address Canada’s most pressing challenges.”
Dr. Schmidt succeeds Dr. Elizabeth Douville, who served as Chair since 2019. Under Dr. Douville’s leadership, Genome Canada has evolved into a mission-driven organization with a renewed mandate to drive Canada’s genomics impact. We extend our heartfelt thanks for her outstanding service.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Bonnie Schmidt as the new Chair of Genome Canada’s Board of Directors.