Dr. Simon Hirota appointed associate dean, Research Infrastructure

The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Simon Hirota, PhD, as the new associate dean, Research Infrastructure. The appointment was effective August 15, 2023.

This new appointment ends Dr. Hirota’s previous role as assistant dean, Research Infrastructure, and takes over the role formerly held by Dr. Paul Schnetkamp, PhD.

Dr. Hirota is an associate professor in the departments of Physiology & Pharmacology and Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases. He is also the Canada Research Chair in Host-Microbe Interactions and Chronic Diseases.

Dr. Hirota completed a Bachelor of Science in biology and pharmacology and a PhD in medical sciences from McMaster University. He has had a major research impact in areas of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastrointestinal research, including innovative treatments for IBD.

The Hirota Lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms that regulate tissue repair in the intestine, with hopes of identifying new targets to treat the pathogenic tissue remodelling that often occurs in patients with Crohn's disease.

Dr. Hirota received a 2023 Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Visiting Research Professor Award and is the recipient of several early career awards. He is the co-director of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases’ Human Organoid Innovation Hub and a member of the Scientific Medical Advisory Council for Crohn’s & Colitis Canada.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Hirota on his new leadership appointment.

Sincerely,

Todd Anderson, MD
Dean, Cumming School of Medicine   
University of Calgary