{{Short description|University President}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Mohamed Lachemi | honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=CAN|size=100%|OOnt}} | image = {{CSS image crop |Image=Ryerson University President Mohamed Lachemi (38915753384).jpg |bSize=300|cWidth=230|cHeight=263 |oTop=175 |oLeft=35 |Location=center}} | alt = Lachemi delivers a speech in 2018 | caption = Lachemi in 2018 | order = 9th | office = President and Vice-Chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University | term_start = 30 September 2016 | predecessor = [[Sheldon Levy]] | birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1962}}<ref name=":0" /> | birth_place = [[Algeria]] | children = 4 | alma_mater = {{unbulleted list |[[University of Science and Technology of Oran - Mohamed Boudiaf|Université des Sciences et de la Technologie d'Oran]] |[[Université de Sherbrooke]] ([[Master of Applied Science|MASc]], [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])}} }} '''Mohamed Lachemi''' {{post-nominals|country=CAN|OOnt}} (born 1962) is an Algerian–Canadian academic and administrator, currently serving as the president and vice-chancellor of [[Toronto Metropolitan University]] (formerly Ryerson University). He was first appointed in 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=Andrea |date=23 Oct 2016 |title=Mohamed Lachemi's long journey from an Algerian earthquake to engineering the future for Ryerson University |url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20161023/282170765686877?srsltid=AfmBOor4G9FSKHbMx_FcbDVoYLXVWPb4VN3adTlrr8ojdZAyFYFSAhTK |work=Toronto Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FYI: Ryerson University (Now Toronto Metropolitan University) appoints Dr. Mohamed Lachemi as President and Vice-Chancellor |url=https://www.kbrs.ca/news/fyi-ryerson-university-appoints-dr-mohamed-lachemi-president-and-vice-chancellor |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=KBRS |language=en}}</ref> and reappointed to a second term concluding in 2026.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Full Biography |url=https://www.torontomu.ca/president/ThePresident/biography/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) |language=en}}</ref>

== Education == Lachemi earned his [[undergraduate degree]] in [[civil engineering]] from [[University of Science and Technology of Oran - Mohamed Boudiaf|l'Université des Sciences et de la Technologie d'Oran]] in [[Algeria]] and completed his [[Master of Applied Science]] (MASc) and [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]] in [[Structural engineering|Structural Engineering]] at [[Université de Sherbrooke|L'Université de Sherbrooke]] in [[Canada]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

== Professional Contributions ==

=== Research === As a researcher, Lachemi specializes in the development of high-performance materials and advanced technologies in construction. His work focuses on the behaviour of concrete structures and minimizing the environmental impact of building construction.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mohamed Lachemi • Toronto Metropolitan University Research & Innovation Faculty Experts |url=https://torontomuresearch.kosmos.expertisefinder.com/mohamed-lachemi-1 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=torontomuresearch.kosmos.expertisefinder.com}}</ref>

Lachemi held a Canada Research Chair in [[Sustainability in construction|Sustainable Construction]] from 2002 to 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NSERC's Awards Database |url=https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=424065 |website=Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada |format=database}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hasham |first=Alyshah |date=1 April 2016 |title=Civil engineer takes the helm as Ryerson's new president |url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20160401/282295319341938?srsltid=AfmBOooKtQSKgL6Gvl09IY1_24e69m8qeNmGbnc9s2okkOO3Y7ne9iZo |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Toronto Star |via=PressReader}}</ref> His research has been funded by various organizations, including the [[Canada Foundation for Innovation]], Ontario Innovation Trust, [[Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council]], Ontario Centres of Excellence, the [[Ministry of Transportation of Ontario|Ontario Ministry of Transportation]], [[Hydro-Québec]] and various industrial partners.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=Toronto Metropolitan University / Mohamed Lachemi, President |url=https://lobbycanada.gc.ca/app/secure/ocl/lrs/do/vwRg?cno=16965&regId=952583 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=lobbycanada.gc.ca}}</ref>

=== Toronto Metropolitan University === Lachemi began as a professor of [[civil engineering]] in 1998.<ref name=":1" /> He was appointed dean of the faculty of engineering and architectural science in 2010 after serving as interim dean the year prior. In 2013, he began his role as the provost and vice-president, academic, which he held until becoming president and vice-chancellor in 2016.

Since becoming president, Lachemi has overseen the establishment of new schools in law and medicine, with a focus on technology, equity and inclusion, and a mandate to reach underserved populations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 19, 2018 |title=Ryerson pushes forward with law school despite funding setback, tough job prospects in the field |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ryerson-law-school-funding-jobs-1.4952169 |work=CBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guardian |first=Alexandra Heck Brampton |date=2023-07-11 |title=New Brampton medical school will be 'noticeably and intentionally different,' says TMU president |url=https://www.bramptonguardian.com/news/new-brampton-medical-school-will-be-noticeably-and-intentionally-different-says-tmu-president/article_5edd3d38-875f-5c37-900f-1cdcb51a037a.html |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Brampton Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

Under his direction, Toronto Metropolitan University launched the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirkwood |first=Isabelle |date=2019-06-14 |title=Ryerson University Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst receives $30 million in investments {{!}} BetaKit |url=https://betakit.com/ryerson-university-cybersecurity-hub-receives-30-million-in-public-private-investments/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |language=en-CA}}</ref> a national centre for cybersecurity, and was awarded leadership of the Future Skills Centre consortium,<ref>{{Cite web |title=RYERSON UNIVERSITY LEADS FUTURE SKILLS CENTRE CONSORTIUM |url=https://www.torontomu.ca/media/releases/2019/02/ryerson-university-leads-future-skills-centre-consortium/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) |language=en}}</ref> which aims to ensure Canadians develop the skills they need in the new economy.

Lachemi also formed a new Presidential Implementation Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryerson releases Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review |url=https://www.torontomu.ca/news-events/news/2020/07/ryerson-releases-anti-black-racism-campus-climate-review/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Ian |date=2023-02-03 |title=Signing of Scarborough Charter marks key step in efforts against anti-Black racism at TMU |url=https://magnetnetwork.ca/signing-of-scarborough-charter-marks-key-step-in-efforts-against-anti-black-racism-at-tmu/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Magnet |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bero |first=Tayo |date=2021-09-01 |title=Addressing anti-Black racism on campus |url=https://universityaffairs.ca/features/addressing-anti-black-racism-on-campus/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=University Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref> tasked with helping to implement recommendations included in the university’s [https://www.torontomu.ca/content/dam/confronting-anti-black-racism/pdfs/anti-black-racism-campus-climate-review-report-july-2020.pdf Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report]. He also established and co-chaired the Standing Strong Task Force to address the legacy of the university’s namesake, [[Egerton Ryerson]]. This initiative resulted in the decision to rename the university, implement recommendations to enhance support for Indigenous and Black scholarship, and a commitment to establish learning programs for students, faculty and staff on indigenous history and the [[Canadian Indian residential school system|Indian Residential School System]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryerson University to appoint task force to examine Egerton Ryerson's history and relationship to university |url=https://www.torontomu.ca/news-events/news/2020/09/ryerson-to-appoint-task-force-to-examine-egerton-ryersons-history/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Lachemi |date=2023-05-01 |title=How Toronto Metropolitian University made the name change |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/how-toronto-metropolitian-university-made-the-name-change/article_ad569a9b-ea7a-569c-9196-5a106cf4754f.html |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 26, 2021 |title=Ryerson University to change its name amid reckoning with history of residential schools |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ryerson-university-name-change-1.6154716 |work=CBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rancic |first=Michael |date=2022-05-11 |title=Ryerson University officially changes its name to Toronto Metropolitan University |url=https://universityaffairs.ca/news/ryerson-university-officially-changes-its-name-to-toronto-metropolitan-university/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=University Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Toronto Metropolitan University - Reflecting on two years of TMU's Standing Strong Task Force Report |url=https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/university/1/1044440/reflecting-on-two-years-of-tmu-s-standing-strong-task-force-report.html |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Education News Canada |language=en}}</ref>

=== Professional Affiliations === Lachemi previously held roles as the Chair of the [[Council of Ontario Universities]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Universities |first=Ontario's |date=2022-06-30 |title=COU Welcomes New Council Chair |url=https://ontariosuniversities.ca/news/cou-welcomes-new-council-chair/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Ontario's Universities |language=en-US}}</ref> Chair of the Finance Committee of [[Universities Canada]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Universities |date=2020-10-28 |title=Meric Gertler named new vice-chair of Universities Canada |url=https://univcan.ca/news/meric-gertler-named-new-vice-chair-of-universities-canada/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Universities Canada |language=en-US}}</ref> Fellow of the [[Canadian Society for Civil Engineering]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=2018 Honours, Awards and Fellowships, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering |url=https://legacy.csce.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CSCE-2018-HaF-Awards-J27-FinalRev-3.pdf |website=Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, PDF}}</ref> and Fellow of the [[Canadian Academy of Engineering]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Canadian Academy of Engineering / L'Académie canadienne du génie |url=https://www.cae-acg.ca/directory/#/action/Search/cid/1498/id/2201/listingType/P?value=Lachemi |access-date=2025-03-03 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for [[Trillium Health Partners]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.thp.ca/aboutus/pages/board.aspx |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=www.thp.ca}}</ref> [[Rogers Communications|Rogers Communications Inc.]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://investors.rogers.com/corporate-governance/board-of-directors/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Rogers Investor Relations |language=en}}</ref> and [https://dmzventures.com/ DMZ Ventures.]<ref>{{Cite web |title=DMZ Ventures |url=https://dmzventures.com/#who-we-are |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=dmzventures.com}}</ref> He was a member of the [[National Research Council Canada|National Research Council]] from 2018 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=National Research Council |date=2019-08-22 |title=Excellence in research and innovation - Annual Report 2018-2019 |url=https://nrc.canada.ca/en/corporate/planning-reporting/excellence-research-innovation-annual-report-2018-2019 |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=nrc.canada.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=National Research Council |date=2022-10-07 |title=Research powered by people: 2021–2022 annual report |url=https://nrc.canada.ca/en/corporate/planning-reporting/research-powered-people-2021-2022-annual-report |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=nrc.canada.ca}}</ref>

=== Awards and honours === Lachemi has been recognized as one of the city’s Top 50 Most Influential People by [[Toronto Life|Toronto Life Magazine]] (2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-18 |title=The 50 Most Influential Torontonians of 2021 |url=https://torontolife.com/city/the-50-most-influential-torontonians-of-2021/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Toronto Life |language=en}}</ref> and 2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-16 |title=The 50 Most Influential Torontonians of 2022 |url=https://torontolife.com/city/the-50-most-influential-torontonians-of-2022/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Toronto Life |language=en}}</ref>), Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants by [[Canadian Immigrant|Canadian Immigrant Magazine]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canadas Top 25 Immigrants 2022 |url=https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/canadas-top-25-immigrants-2022 |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Canadian Immigrant |language=en-US}}</ref> (2022), and as one of [[LinkedIn]] Top Voices, Education (2019). He was awarded a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by [[Ontario Tech University]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Mohamed Lachemi |url=https://ontariotechu.ca/convocation/about/honorary-degrees/2021/dr.-mohamed-lachemi.php |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=ontariotechu.ca |language=en}}</ref> (2021), and received the [[Order of Ontario]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ontario Newsroom |url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1003769/the-2022-appointees-to-the-order-of-ontario |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=news.ontario.ca}}</ref> Lachemi was also recognized with the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards (OPEA) Gold Medal in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2026 Awardees |url=https://opeawards.ca/awardees/ |website=Ontario Professional Engineers Awards}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lachemi, Mohamed}} [[Category:Canadian academics]] [[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] [[Category:Living people]]