Alastair James Scott Summerlee

Biography:

Alastair James Scott Summerlee is a member of the Board at International Business University (IBU). He served as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guelph from 2003 to 2014 and as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University from 2017 to 2018.

He was a professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph from 1989 to 2017. He is currently an adjunct professor at the Sprott Business School at Carleton University and Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph.

Academic and Leadership Experience:

Alastair James Scott Summerlee has held senior academic and institutional leadership roles across Canadian higher education. His work has included university governance, academic development, research, fundraising, and public engagement.

He spent six years on the board of World University Service of Canada, where his work helped attract international investment from the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as private individuals.

Research and Global Contributions:

Alastair James Scott Summerlee has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters. He has also written on teaching and teaching practice, and has advocated in the media for improved conditions for people living in refugee camps.

He is regularly invited to speak on education, research, accountability, fundraising, and sustainable business.

His current research focuses on iron deficiency and simple innovation through Lucky Iron Fish®, which is designed to help address iron deficiency affecting almost 2 billion people worldwide.

Global Initiatives and Recognition:

Alastair James Scott Summerlee is part of the PUSH Initiative, a global movement that brings universities together to address hunger and poverty. In 2012, he was named International Quality of Life Laureate at the United Nations.

He also serves as a special advisor to Carleton University on its capital campaign and as interim leader of Education City, which supports educational innovation in the Ottawa region.