Donna Kirkwood

Donna is an adviser to public and private organisations on strategic positioning, design and management of science, technology and innovation programs and policies. Deeply devoted to the advancement of science, convinced of the importance of integrating diverse perspectives, she served on numerous scientific and academic steering committees as well as advisory boards, granting council and science networks in Québec, Canada and Europe. She currently serves as Chair of ArcticNet board as well as independent director on the British Geological Survey and SOQUEM boards. Donna was Chief Scientist at Natural Resources Canada from 2016 to 2019 where she strengthened linkages between science and policy on natural resources and environment, and provided advice on cross cutting science, capacity and communication issues. Prior to that she served as an executive of the Geological Survey of Canada, appointed as the first female DG from 2010 to 2015, positioning the survey as a leading government science organization. Before joining the federal government, Donna was Full Professor of Geosciences at Université Laval, Québec, where over 12 years she developed novel, collaborative and inclusive research programs and received numerous teaching awards. Donna holds a PhD in Geosciences, is trained in leadership, public service management and governance and is a member of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec. She is an advocate for Women in STEM.