The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) has announced the appointment of Valérie Laflamme as Vice-Rector of Research and Vice-Rector of International Relations. This decision, recommended by Rector Jean-Pierre Perreault and ratified by the Board of Trustees on June 15, marks a significant step forward for the university's research and international influence.
Term and Transition
Valérie Laflamme's term will begin on August 15, 2026, and conclude on May 31, 2030. She succeeds Anne Lessard, who served diligently since the start of the current administration and will return to the Faculty of Education.
Rector's Welcome
Jean-Pierre Perreault, Rector of UdeS, expressed enthusiasm about Laflamme's arrival: "The arrival of Valérie Laflamme is an exceptional opportunity for the Université de Sherbrooke. Her knowledge of key funding mechanisms, her belief in interdisciplinary research, and her ability to build impressive collaborations are major assets that will accelerate our development. As our community is known for its commitment, collaborative culture, and capacity for innovation, her leadership will help to further showcase these strengths both here and abroad and cement our position as one of the world’s leading research universities."
Nationally Recognized Expertise
Valérie Laflamme is acknowledged as an influential leader in Canada's research community, with over fifteen years of experience in strategic positions within the federal government. Notably, she served as a senior manager with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), where she helped define and implement major national programs.
In her roles, she oversaw initiatives worth several billion dollars and actively shaped key research programs at the national level. She also steered the design and deployment of expansive programs while managing large teams and complex financial portfolios. Her expertise in program development, research funding, and partnership mobilization has made her a key actor in scientific development, with a recognized ability to advance ambitious and inclusive initiatives that benefit the entire research community.
International and University Collaborations
Another standout feature of Valérie Laflamme's career is her solid experience in university and international settings. As a public policy researcher, she has taught subjects such as Sociology and Demography, particularly in France, and helped launch large-scale scientific collaborations. This dual-pronged academic and strategic experience allows her to address the full complexity of research challenges by balancing an institutional perspective with a deep understanding of realities on the ground.
