Ian C.P. Smith, OC, PhD, DSc, FRSC

President, Innovative Biodiagnostics, Inc.

Ian Smith, CIMTEC Board Member, Chair

Dr. Smith began his National Research Council (NRC) career in Ottawa as a Research Officer specializing in magnetic resonance. In 1987, he became Director General of the NRC Institute for Biological Sciences, Ottawa.  In 1992, he founded the Institute for Biodiagnostics in Winnipeg as its first Director General.  The Institute focuses on the development and commercialization of medical devices for the non-invasive diagnosis of disease. 

Dr. Smith is dedicated to early detection and treatment of disease and using this knowledge to advance the state of medicine and the economy. He is a passionate mover for the commercialization of the products of research, and has started nine companies with a present value of $300 million. In 2013, he retired from NRC to help build a spin-off company, Innovative Biodiagnostics, specializing in tests for colon cancer and breast cancer. 

He was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008 for his leadership in the advancement, development and commercialization of Canada’s diagnostic technologies, notably magnetic resonance imaging, in the field of health care. In addition, Dr. Smith received the 2008 Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada, presented to individuals who have displayed long-term excellence throughout their careers in Canada's public service. He was awarded the Queen’s Gold (2002) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals for his contributions.

He holds a number of honorary degrees, including Phil.Dr. from Stockholm University. He is past president of the International Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics and a member of advisory boards of various companies and agencies.   

Affiliations: 

President, Innovative Biodiagnostics Inc.