Jodi Cooley, professor in the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy and the Executive Director of SNOLAB, Canada’s renowned underground laboratory for neutrino science and dark matter research, has been appointed to a national expert panel on research infrastructure convened by the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) at the request of the federal government.

Dr. Cooley is an expert in experimental particle astrophysics, with a research focus on dark matter detection. She has received several accolades for her contributions to physics, including being named a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In her role at SNOLAB, a research consortium bringing together Queen’s University, Carleton University, Laurentian University, University of Alberta, and the Université de Montréal, Dr. Cooley leads a team of approximately 140 research and operations staff. SNOLAB (formerly the SNO Observatory) was home to the groundbreaking research that led to Queen’s Professor Emeritus Arthur B. McDonald winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery that neutrinos have mass. 

Research infrastructure is an essential part of Canada’s science and innovation ecosystem, supporting a broad range of national priorities. Canada’s national-scale scientific facilities like SNOLAB, digital platforms, and collaborative networks provide a critical foundation for the future of scientific research, innovation, economic prosperity, and the well-being of all people in Canada. The panel of experts will evaluate strategies to enhance Canada’s national research infrastructure to ensure it effectively supports current and future needs. This includes assessing strengths and weaknesses in the existing infrastructure, identifying best practices in planning and development, and exploring strategic factors that might support responses to future challenges and opportunities.

The CCA panel will conduct a thorough evaluation and present its findings to the federal government. More information on the panel and its mandate can be found on the CCA website.