France Gagnon

Dr. France Gagnon is an internationally renowned expert in genomic and epigenomic epidemiology, recognized for her contributions to research, education, and academic leadership. Since 2025, she has served as vice-principal of research and innovation at the University of Toronto Mississauga, where she drives strategic initiatives to advance research excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Gagnon is also a tenured professor at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH), where her research focuses on genetic and epigenetic determinants of chronic cardiovascular diseases, with emphasis on population-based genetics and sex-based differences in disease susceptibility. She has authored over 65 peer-reviewed papers and secured more than $10 million in research funding.

As founding lead director of STAGE (Strategic Training for Advanced Genetic Epidemiology), Canada’s first interdisciplinary research training program in genetic epidemiology, Gagnon has advanced national capacity in statistical and epidemiological genetics. During her tenure as associate dean of research at DLSPH from 2017 to 2024, she developed and implemented a successful research services model that contributed to a 250 per cent increase in external grant revenue over five years, while launching major research initiatives. 

Gagnon's leadership is grounded in a strong commitment to collaborative research, equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence. She holds a PhD from Université de Montréal and completed postdoctoral training in genetic epidemiology at the University of Washington.