Lachemi Mohamed

LACHEMI Mohamed

President and Vice-Chancellor Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

Background & Education

Mohamed Lachemi is originally from Algeria, where he built the foundation of his academic education before pursuing higher studies in Canada. His educational journey demonstrates a solid expertise in the field of civil engineering.

He obtained his initial degree in civil engineering from the University of Science and Technology of Oran in Algeria, establishing a solid foundation for his future academic and administrative career. Continuing his university education in Canada, he completed his training with a master's degree and then a doctorate from the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec.

This multicultural training and his dual expertise, both in North African and North American educational systems, have given him a unique and global vision that has proven valuable in his future university leadership responsibilities.

Scientific Career

Mohamed Lachemi's career is marked by a remarkable academic and administrative trajectory at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), where he has progressively climbed the ranks since his arrival as a professor.

His professional journey at this university began in 1998, when he was appointed as a professor of civil engineering. His competence and leadership quickly allowed him to access positions of increasing responsibility within the institution. He notably held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, where he significantly contributed to the development and influence of these disciplines.

Subsequently, he was appointed as Provost and Vice-President Academic, a position in which he supervised all the university's academic programs and implemented strategies to improve the quality of teaching and research.

The pinnacle of his academic career came in 2016, when he was appointed President and Vice-Chancellor of the university. The confidence that the institution places in him was confirmed by the renewal of his mandate until 2026, testifying to the effectiveness of his leadership and his vision for the future of the establishment.

Alongside his administrative functions, Mohamed Lachemi is recognized as an internationally renowned researcher in the field of civil engineering. His research work, although not detailed in the available information, has likely contributed to the advancement of knowledge in this discipline and has earned him recognition by his peers.

Distinctions & Recognition

Mohamed Lachemi has received numerous marks of recognition for his expertise and leadership, both in the academic field and in civil society.

He was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, a prestigious distinction that highlights his exceptional contribution to the discipline of engineering and his influence in this field in Canada.

His stature and expertise earned him appointment as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities, an organization that represents the collective interests of universities in Canada's most populous province. In this role, he has helped shape higher education policies at the provincial level.

He also served as Chair of the Finance Committee of Universities Canada, demonstrating his skills in financial management and governance in the higher education sector.

His appointment to the National Research Council of Canada from 2018 to 2021 also testifies to the recognition of his expertise and vision at the national level in the field of research and innovation.

Impact & Influence

Mohamed Lachemi's impact on Canadian higher education, and particularly on Toronto Metropolitan University, is considerable.

Under his leadership, the university has experienced a transformative period that has propelled it to the rank of a world-class institution. He notably led the creation and establishment of groundbreaking faculties of law and medicine, thus expanding the university's educational offerings in prestigious and highly sought-after professional fields.

He also supervised the launch of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, a national cybersecurity center that positions the university as a key player in this strategic area for the contemporary knowledge economy.

His leadership enabled the university to be entrusted with the direction of the Future Skills Centre, a national initiative aimed at helping Canadians acquire the essential skills in the new economy. This responsibility underscores the confidence placed in the institution under his governance to meet the challenges of adapting the workforce to economic transformations.

His influence extends beyond the academic world, as demonstrated by his participation in various boards of directors, including Trillium Health Partners (in the health sector), Rogers Communications Inc. (a major telecommunications company in Canada), Hackergal (a non-profit organization aimed at encouraging young girls to take an interest in programming), and DMZ Ventures (a technology business incubator). These commitments testify to his holistic vision that connects education, innovation, and socio-economic development.

As a member of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, he also contributes to the development of his original discipline and its adaptation to contemporary challenges.

Learn More

To deepen your knowledge of Mohamed Lachemi's career and achievements, you can consult:

• Official Page of the President of Toronto Metropolitan University
• Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, of which he is a member
• Canadian Academy of Engineering, of which he is a Fellow
• Universities Canada, where he chaired the Finance Committee
• Council of Ontario Universities, which he chaired