Robert McMaster

Dr. Robert McMaster is a professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He brings considerable administrative experience and intellectual vigor to the role and is particularly well-positioned to foster scientific collaborations between the Faculty and its health authority partners, as he is currently the Vice President Research for Vancouver Coastal Health and the Executive Director of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI).

Dr. McMaster received a Bachelor and Master of Science from UBC, followed by a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford. A professor in the Department of Medical Genetics, he has focused his research on molecular immunology, parasitology and transplant immunology. He previously served as head of the Department of Medical Genetics from 2000 to 2010 and was also director of the Immunity and Infection Research Centre of VCHRI and director of Transplant Immunology for BC Transplant.

As the vice dean of research, Dr. McMaster will lead the development of a health and life sciences research strategy and ensure the research is translational and of the highest caliber. He will provide guidance to health research program leaders and ensure resources are supported effectively across the Faculty on all campuses and health authorities. He will also play a key role in formulating the research component of the Faculty’s new strategic plan, and will ensure that the Faculty’s activities align with the plan’s priorities.