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Toronto, ON, September 4, 2025 — The ICES Board of Directors announced today that Dr. Michael Schull will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer at ICES on November 14th, 2025. Dr. Schull has served as CEO and Senior Scientist at ICES since 2013.
During his tenure, Dr. Schull oversaw significant developments at ICES, including the launch of Data and Analytic Services (ICES DAS) to support third-party researchers’ access to data, and the launch of public and community engagement at ICES, recognizing the importance of reflecting the public voice and values in ICES research and how we work with data. Dr. Schull also led the organization through unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that decision-makers and the public had accurate and timely data to effectively respond to multiple waves of the pandemic.
Much of his work has also strengthened health research infrastructure in Canada. He was a founding member of Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada and the SPOR Canadian Data Platform. Under his leadership, ICES built an environment capable of high-performance computing to support machine learning and artificial intelligence research. He built and strengthened partnerships, including with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations and communities. Through it all, Dr. Schull remained deeply committed to elevating the knowledge and expertise of ICES staff, scientists, and community partners, always putting people at the heart of the organization’s success.
“On behalf of the ICES Board, I want to thank Michael for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment over the past twelve years,” said Helen Angus, ICES Board Chair. “Under his guidance, ICES has grown into a world-class organization, recognized for its impact on health care, policy, and research in Ontario and beyond. His vision and dedication have left a lasting legacy, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions to improving the health of Ontarians.”
Dr. Schull has accepted the role as CEO of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, a Government of Canada-mandated non-profit that sets the national digital research infrastructure strategy and funds, coordinates and delivers world-class services to equip researchers with the tools to drive discovery and innovation – from AI to supercomputing. ICES wishes him all the best as he embarks on a new and exciting chapter in his career.
“It has been an honour to be CEO of this great organization,” said Dr. Schull. “ICES is a special place filled with passionate and dedicated students, staff, and scientists, who work day-in and day-out to drive new discoveries, improve health care, and reduce disparities. It is a place I have been immensely proud to work as a scientist and as CEO.”
As we move forward, ICES remains strong and committed to improving health and health care for Ontarians and reducing disparities through trusted data and evidence. This is made possible with the expertise of our leadership, staff, and scientists, who help drive science and address our most pressing healthcare-related problems.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Misty Pratt
Interim Director, Communications, ICES
[email protected]
343-961-6982
Media Contact:
Sophie Sakillarides
Bilingual Communications Specialist
Digital Research Alliance of Canada
[email protected]
About ICES
ICES is an independent, not-for-profit research and analytics institute that uses population-based health information to produce knowledge on a broad range of healthcare issues. ICES leads cutting-edge studies and analyses evaluating healthcare policy, delivery, and population outcomes. Our knowledge is highly regarded in Canada and abroad and is widely used by government, hospitals, planners, and practitioners to make decisions about healthcare delivery and to develop policy. For the latest ICES news, follow us on BlueSky and LinkedIn: @ICESOntario
About the Digital Research Alliance of Canada
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) advances and maintains digital research infrastructure (DRI) to support the management, storage and use of national research computing, data and research software. A non-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada, the Alliance serves researchers by improving data access, collaborating with DRI partners, nurturing the DRI workforce, integrating services and enhancing security. DRI is a critical national asset, and the Alliance leverages its capacities to support cutting-edge research and innovation across all disciplines — propelling Canadian research forward now and into the future.