News
January 22, 2026
Appointment of Sylvain Charbonneau as Director of Research Support at IVADO
Montréal, 22 January 2026 – IVADO, an interdisciplinary and intersectoral consortium dedicated to research, training, and knowledge mobilization in artificial intelligence (AI), led by Université de Montréal with the support of Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval, and McGill University, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvain Charbonneau as Director of Research Support. His official start date is January 26, 2026.
A Career Dedicated to Research Support
Sylvain Charbonneau, M.Sc., MBA, brings more than twenty years of experience in research support, program development, and strategic partnerships. Since 2021, he has served as Head of Knowledge Translation and Innovation within the Directorate of Academic Affairs and Innovation at the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.
After completing studies in biomedical sciences at Université de Sherbrooke, he began his career in the biotechnology industry. He later earned a Master of Business Administration before joining the Fonds de recherche du Québec Santé, where he worked for more than sixteen years, first as a Program manager, Strategic Advisor and later as Director of Programs and Partnerships. During this time, he contributed to numerous strategic initiatives and served on several advisory committees focused on the development and innovation of life sciences. He also led several structuring and innovative projects in support of academic research, in collaboration with external partners such as ministries, universities, and public and private organizations in Québec, across Canada, and internationally.
His career reflects recognized expertise in structuring research support mechanisms, supporting scientific teams, and building sustainable and innovative partnerships.
“I am excited to join IVADO and to contribute to the implementation of the R3AI vision by supporting interdisciplinary research projects with strong scientific and societal impact. The consortium’s unique positioning provides an exceptional framework for strengthening the conditions for success of AI research teams,” said Sylvain Charbonneau.
Sylvain Charbonneau succeeds Ms. Virginie Portes, who led the Research Support unit with rigor and strategic vision and played a key role in deploying the R3AI vision, aimed at developing robust, reasoning, and responsible AI for the benefit of society.
“We are delighted to welcome Sylvain Charbonneau to this strategic position. His in-depth experience with funding, innovation, and partnership ecosystems, combined with his keen understanding of the challenges of academic research, will strengthen our ability to support ambitious and structuring research projects fully aligned with the R3AI vision. I would also like to highlight the exemplary leadership of Virginie Portes, who led this unit with skill and flair over the past several years, as well as the commitment of Guillaume Chicoisne, who professionally ensured the interim management of the Research Support unit,” said Luc Vinet, Chief Executive Officer of IVADO.
