McMaster’s Vice-President, Research plays a pivotal role in advancing the university’s research excellence, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that drive impact locally and globally.
For Hamilton native and Mac grad Gianni Parise, stepping into the role is a full-circle moment, combining his personal ties to the community with his dedication to advancing McMaster’s research enterprise.
Working to connect people, ideas and opportunities, Parise brings his personal brand of leadership, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to research that matters.
Gianni Parise, at the back, stops for a selfie outside the McMaster Nuclear Reactor with President Susan Tighe and provincial ministers. This year, the province invested $15.5 million to allow the reactor to run 24 hours every day and support the increased production of custom isotopes required to develop new drugs.
Let’s start with your journey. What drew you to the VP Research role? What inspired you to take on this role — and what excites you about it?
I had the privilege of serving as associate dean, Research, in the Faculty of Science for eight years, which gave me a great window into the breadth and depth of McMaster’s research enterprise.
Then, in 2024, I stepped into the role of deputy vice-president, Research, and suddenly I had a front-row seat to everything happening across campus. I was overwhelmed — in the best way — by the energy, the activity and the opportunities. I loved being a part of something that could impact both individual researchers and the university’s ability to drive meaningful change.
What excites me most about it? Definitely the chance to champion our researchers and help them thrive. McMaster is home to incredible talent, and I see enormous potential to build on those strengths and capitalize on new opportunities. It’s energizing to be part of something so important, and a play a role in shaping the future of research at McMaster.
How has your research shaped your approach to leadership and positioned you for this role?
My research explores human muscle stem cell biology, with a focus on aging and exercise. It’s a fascinating and complex field that constantly challenges me to think strategically, stay resilient and work collaboratively.
Every research question presents a unique challenge, and success often hinges on being curious, adaptable and persistent. It’s that kind of mind-set that will help guide me through this role.
I’ve always believed in the power of teams. In my lab, collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s essential. I involve my team in every step of the process (or should I say they involve me?) because when people feel their contributions matter, they’re more engaged, more creative, and more committed. That’s the kind of culture I want to foster here: one where everyone feels valued and understands the role they play in McMaster’s collective success.
What do you see as McMaster’s strategic advantage?
VP Research Gianna Parise takes a selfie of the staff of the Office of the Vice-president, Research.
Our people. Hands down.
McMaster is home to an incredible community of researchers who are collaborative, collegial and committed to tackling big challenges. And the way they work across disciplines really speaks to who we are. That spirit of engagement is a huge competitive advantage.
We also have world-class infrastructure and expertise that set us apart, notably in nuclear research. Our facilities and talent in this area are unmatched in Canada. To not lean into that would be a missed opportunity and, honestly, a disservice to the potential we have to make a transformative impact provincially and nationally. It’s a clear differentiator and a strategic asset.
And then there’s McMaster Innovation Park. MIP is already a thriving hub for commercialization and entrepreneurship, and we’re just beginning to tap into its full potential. The opportunities seem endless and it’s exciting to think about where it could take us next.
What kind of impact do you hope McMaster’s research will have in the next decade?
I see universities as key players at the interface of government and industry. If we want to drive societal progress, we have to be active and engaged in this space. McMaster is already doing this well, and I see us continuing to lead and deepen those connections.
Looking ahead, I imagine McMaster as a global leader in key research areas, a driver of economic development, and a catalyst for innovation. Through MIP, we’ll attract and grow companies, create jobs, and help shape the future of our region.
Ultimately, I see McMaster having a profound social and economic impact — at home and around the world.
Gianni Parise, second from right, with grad students Amanda Johnson, left, Ryan Bevington and Rebecca Ladouceur.
You had a role in developing the Strategic Research Plan. What does “Transforming our Region, Impacting our World” mean to you?
To me, it’s both a promise and a challenge. “Transforming our region” speaks to our deep roots in Hamilton and our responsibility to contribute to the community’s well-being. It’s about being a trusted partner in local progress and making a real difference close to home.
“Impacting our world” is where our ambition comes in. It’s about asking bold questions and finding the solutions that resonate far beyond our borders. We have the talent and the drive to take what we do here and scale it to meet global challenges.
The two ideas are deeply connected and capture the heart of McMaster’s research mission — rooted in community, reaching for global impact. It’s powerful and I’m excited to be a part of it.
Gianni Parise and Daryl Sherman at the Mentorship Day fireside chat.
How do you support a culture of innovation and inclusion in research?
Innovation and inclusion are part of our culture — they’re values that need to be nurtured and woven into everything we do. Whether we’re launching new initiatives or hiring new faculty, these principles should always be front and centre.
We’re making real strides, especially through our commercialization and entrepreneurship initiatives. By supporting faculty and students in areas they haven’t had the chance to explore, we’re opening doors to new possibilities and fresh ways of thinking.
I really believe there’s incredible power in diverse perspectives. When people from different backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences come together we, inevitably, ask better questions, make smarter decisions and push boundaries in meaningful ways.
That’s true in research, just as it is in any part of life.
Inclusion strengthens innovation, and my goal is to ensure our work reflects the complexity of the world we’re trying to understand and improve.
Gianna Parise on a family ski trip.
A few rapid-fire questions:
Go-to comfort food?
Wood-fired pizza.
Favourite restaurant in Hamilton?
Can I have two? CIMA and Sasso. (Full disclosure, they’re owned by family and friends… but I swear I’d love them anyway)
Dogs or cats?
Cats… by default. (It’s complicated)
Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Garden-variety or fancy, I’m in.
Favourite book or movie
The Shawshank Redemption.
Hobby?
Exercising. (Occupational hazard)
Perfect long weekend?
A getaway to the interior of British Columbia.
Favourite artist/song?
Eminem — Lose Yourself. It always gets me going.