Dr Tania Bubela has been named as the next Provost and Vice President Academic at Aga Khan University, effective July 1, 2024, following an official announcement by President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin. As Provost, she will also assume the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for AKU in Kenya and Uganda.
Dr Bubela brings distinctive, relevant expertise and perspectives to AKU at a pivotal moment in the University's evolution. Currently the Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University in Canada, Dr Bubela has held academic positions at the Universities of Toronto and Alberta, across four faculties: Science, Law, Business, and Health. Prior to her appointment as Dean, she was Associate Dean, Research in the School of Public Health, University of Alberta.
Dr Bubela holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Sydney, and a Juris Doctor (Gold Medalist) from the University of Alberta. She possesses a strong track record in research excellence, publications and academic leadership, and has a passion for teaching, learning and student experience, and for fostering equitable, inclusive and pluralistic higher education.
The diversity of her academic background has enabled her to work on very significant global challenges, from bio-conservation, sustainability and climate change to equitable access to knowledge and health care. Dr Bubela's current research addresses health and innovation systems, policy and practice, drawing together the life sciences, social sciences and humanities. Her research contributions have had a demonstrated impact on policy, practice and clinical translation and engage global and community stakeholders.
AKU's current Provost and Vice President Academic, Professor Carl Amrhein leaves an outstanding legacy following a seven-year tenure. His experience and unwavering commitment to the Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan's vision for the University has resulted in unprecedented research expansion and funding, a surge in domestic academic leadership, all while ensuring that each emerging academic programme and research institute met the highest standards of excellence. Professor Amrhein will conclude his term on June 30, 2024.
