Dr. Mary Jung appointed Scientific Director of CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
News release
November 24, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Today, Dr. Paul Hébert, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), announced the appointment of Dr. Mary Jung as Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (CIHR-INMD) for a term of four years, starting January 1, 2026.
Dr. Jung is one of Canada’s leading experts in the development and evaluation of evidence-based interventions to promote healthy behaviours and prevent chronic health conditions. She is a Professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus (UBC Okanagan) and Director of UBC’s Centre for Health Behaviour Change and the Diabetes Prevention Research Group.
With funding from CIHR, Dr. Jung has studied the clinical- and cost-effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability of Small Steps for Big Changes, a diabetes prevention program developed and tested in her laboratory. The program aims to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes—a condition that affects approximately 3 million Canadians. Only 5% percent of people with prediabetes in Canada are referred to a prevention program despite evidence that diet and exercise modifications can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 70%. Through a research partnership with YMCA locations, Dr. Jung’s program has been scaled up in more than 50 urban cities in 8 provinces in Canada and sites in Australia and Portugal. Those who have participated in Small Steps for Big Changes demonstrate significant remission rates of prediabetes, measurable and sustained gains in fitness as well as decreases in blood pressure and weight loss at 12-month follow up.
During Dr. Jung’s term, CIHR-INMD will be located at UBC Okanagan.
Quotes
“I am delighted to welcome Mary Jung to CIHR’s leadership team. Dr. Jung is a leader in developing, implementing, and evaluating interventions to help people adopt and maintain healthy behaviours. Her passion, experience, and leadership skills will be vital assets as we work together as an agency to advance science, collaborate for impact, and ultimately improve the health of Canadians.”
Dr. Paul Hébert
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
“I am honoured to serve as Scientific Director for the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes, and I approach this role with a deep sense of responsibility. The support of CIHR has shaped and advanced my research program across the spectrum of diabetes prevention interventions—from foundational laboratory studies and clinical trials to community-engaged and partnered initiatives prioritizing health equity. I look forward to working collaboratively across all disciplines within INMD and with CIHR leadership to continue to strengthen an innovative, world-class research ecosystem that enhances the health and well-being of all Canadians.”
Dr. Mary Jung
Incoming Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
"Dr. Jung’s appointment as Scientific Director is a well-earned recognition of her expertise and career and provides incredible momentum for UBC Okanagan. Hosting a national CIHR Institute on our campus further exemplifies UBCO’s commitment to strategic, impactful research. We are excited to be playing a key role in shaping the future of nutrition, metabolism and diabetes research in Canada.”
Suzie Currie
Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation, UBC Okanagan
“The Faculty of Health and Social Development is thrilled with Dr. Mary Jung’s appointment as a CIHR Scientific Director. This achievement and Dr. Jung’s research exemplify the Faculty’s mission to shape the future of health through transformative research and education to address the complex health and social challenges of our time.”
Tanya Forneris
Dean pro tem, Faculty of Health and Social Development, UBC Okanagan
Quick facts
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CIHR is composed of 13 Institutes, spanning all areas of health research.
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Each Institute is led by a Scientific Director who is a leader in their respective field and has a mandate to champion and support health research, knowledge mobilization, and capacity development at the highest level of scientific excellence.
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Scientific Directors continue to be active researchers throughout their terms, devoting 50% of their time to CIHR and Institute duties and the remaining time to their research activities.
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Canadian Institutes of Health Research
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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