Suzanne Fortier

A distinguished scientist, teacher and academic leader, Dr. Suzanne Fortier is a chrystallographer by training, holding a Ph.D. from McGill University. In 2006, she became the first female President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, where she increased capacity to support research and foster innovation. Fortier held that position until 2013, when she became McGill’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor. She serves on many prestigious boards and councils and has received numerous awards, including the Queen’s University Distinguished Service Award and the Clara Benson Award for distinguished contributions to chemistry by a woman. Fortier is also a Specially Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

“When you push yourself to achieve more, you will have obstacles. You have to be prepared for them, so that you can have the resilience to live through them.”