The School of Public Policy appoints Dr. Jennifer Zwicker Director of Health and Social Policy

The School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Calgary is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Zwicker as the School’s Director of Health and Social Policy.  

Dr. Zwicker previously served as the Director of Social Policy and Health at the School and is an associate professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology. In addition, Dr. Zwicker is the Canada Research Chair (II) in Disability Policy for Children and Youth and the Chief Scientist for Kids Brain Health Network. 

Dr. Zwicker’s research and policy leadership has been recognized as a Killam Emerging Research Leader, Action Canada Alumni, Governor General Leadership Forum, Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women.  

“It’s an honor to take on this role at the School of Public Policy. The opportunity to collaborate with such insightful colleagues, as well as the talented students and staff, while leveraging our interdisciplinary expertise to develop applied, timely, and policy-relevant solutions, is both inspiring and humbling. I’m excited to build on the impactful work of the Social Policy and Health team, alongside all the units across the School, and to continue advancing meaningful, real-world policy change,” said Dr. Zwicker, who holds a Master of Public Policy (Health Policy) from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in Neurophysiology from the University of Alberta. 

Health and Social Policy are key areas of focus for the School, supporting research aimed at providing pragmatic solutions to major societal challenges.  

Dr. Zwicker’s expertise encompasses child development, economic evaluation, health services research and policy to translate knowledge from research to evidence-based disability policy. 

“Jennifer’s academic achievements are incredible but what truly sets her apart is her exceptional ability to forge strong collaborations with diverse stakeholders. She has a rare talent for inspiring research teams, driving innovation and translating knowledge into meaningful policy change,” said Martha Hall Findlay, Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair of the School of Public Policy. “We are incredibly proud to have her here as our Director of Health and Social Policy.” 

In January, Carlo Dade was announced as the new Director for International Policy for the School while Dr. Trevor Tombe was appointed Director of Economic Growth and Prosperity last fall. They join Dr. Guillaume L’hermie Director of the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy.