Sylvain Charbonneau received the Ph.D. degree in semiconductor physics from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada in 1988. He joined the National Research Council (NRC) in October 1988. For a period of 10 years, he became involved in a number of research activities leading such programs as wavelength routing and switching and more exploratory research efforts in quantum-photonics. From 1998 to January 2000, Dr. Charbonneau took on the responsibility of Director of Components Technologies. His responsibilities included component-related research and development programs as well as the initial development phase of the Canada-wide NRC Cluster Initiative Program: The Canadian Photonic Fabrication Center (CPFC), the first pure play photonic foundry in North America.
Dr. Charbonneau was one of three founders of Optenia Inc., a NRC spin-off which was created in 2001. Following a brief assignment of 14 months as its Chief Technology Officer, and after raising $18M from private investors, he returned to NRC as the lead Director responsible for the design, construction, management and operation of the CPFC and other groups at NRC. From May 2011 to April 2013, as Executive Director, Dr. Charbonneau took on the responsibility of the Printable Electronics Program, one of four national Flagship Programs at the NRC.
In April 2013, he joined the University of Ottawa as Associate Vice-President Research and in February 2018 was appointed VP Research. In 2023, his mandate expanded to include the innovation strategy for the university and as VP Research and Innovation his term was renewed for another 5-year. His responsibilities include the promotion and facilitation of research and innovation in uOttawa’s ten faculties, the six Ottawa-based affiliated hospital research institutes, assuring sound management of the research portfolio and the resources entrusted to the university by research sponsors, including the tri-councils, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, not-for-profit corporations, foundations, provincial government programs, industry partners and other government departments. In a highly decentralized environment involving multiple participants, he provides leadership and expertise for the University-wide strategic policy, direction and operation of its services in support of its research activities. This includes leading and coordinating different autonomous functional teams, at both central and faculty levels, to assure a consistent and responsive organization.
In June 2024, the Canada Foundation for Innovation named Dr. Charbonneau President and CEO.