Melanie Woodin, a renowned neuroscientist, has been announced as the first female president in the University of Toronto’s 200-year history.

Woodin, a professor in Toronto’s department of cell and systems biology, will succeed Meric Gertler, who has led Canada’s largest university for more than a decade, from 1 July.

Her five-year appointment, which was approved by the university’s governing council, will make her the 17th president since the institution was founded in 1827 – and the first woman.

It follows recent analysis by ̽����Ƶ which revealed that a record number of the world’s top universities are now led by women.

̽����Ƶ

Woodin has been dean of Toronto’s Faculty of Arts and Science since 2019, is president of the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and serves on the board of directors at the Vector Institute.

In a statement, she said she was “profoundly honoured” to lead one of the world’s best universities.

̽����Ƶ

“I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of President Gertler – a distinguished leader whose vision, expertise and dedication have propelled our institution to new heights,” Woodin said.

“I will work tirelessly to build on the legacies of the eminent scholars who have guided the university since our founding almost two centuries ago and to deepen [Toronto’s] contribution to human, social and economic well-being.”

Woodin’s research explores how neurons communicate and process information, how this affects brain function, and how changes to these mechanisms lead to neurological disorders and diseases.

Gertler described his successor, who topped an international search that began in March 2024, as a widely respected scholar, teacher, mentor and administrator, and a highly accomplished and authentic leader.

̽����Ƶ

“Leading a faculty that is larger than many great universities in North America, she is no stranger to complexity,” Gertler said of his successor.

“She will enthusiastically champion the myriad disciplines found across our tri-campus learning community.”

Anna Kennedy, chair of Toronto’s governing council, said the committee had unanimously determined that Woodin is “the right person to lead us forward into [Toronto’s] third century”.

“She is an individual of great vision and integrity who is thoroughly committed to this institution and its special role in Canada and the world.”

̽����Ƶ

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com