Nominations for CSV executive positions

This governing council will serve the CSV mandate as described in the articles of incorporation. Specifically, they will “promote the advancement of education, dissemination, and application of knowledge related to virology”. We seek leaders who will be fully engaged in the development of the Society. The CSV Governing Executive will be tasked with growing and supporting a dynamic society that serves the interests of its members. Most business will be conducted via email and zoom calls while the executive will meet face-to-face at the bi-annual CSV symposium.

All positions will be contested via election to replace the current executive members after the CSV meeting in June 2026. All positions will be held for a term of 2 years.

The CSV aims to represent a wide scope of basic, clinical and public health research related to human and non-human viruses. The CSV is committed to promote equity, diversity and regional representation. We encourage you to get involved to ensure the best representation amongst the governing executive.

If you are interested in being considered as a potential candidate, please submit a maximum 2-page pdf document containing the following information no later than April 10, 2026, by email to cansocvirol@gmail.com.

Subject of the email should be as follows: First name_LastName_Nomination_2026.

Please include the following information:

The position you are interested in standing for nomination
A maximum one-page biography that indicates your current affiliation and position, experience in the field, specific research interests, awards, publications and any current and past volunteer or relevant involvement in the community.
A maximum one-page candidate statement indicating your motivation to contribute to the CSV.
A headshot photo, uploaded as a separate jpeg file.

The following are the CSV Executive positions that are open for nomination and a description of their roles and responsibilities.

Trainee Representatives – 2 positions – 2-year term

1 graduate student position

1 postdoctoral fellow position

Graduate student and post-doctoral fellow positions are open to trainees registered at a Canadian academic institution, whose primary research area is relevant to virology.

The CSV Trainee Representatives serve as the voice of trainees within the society and work to promote science outreach, community engagement, and trainee participation across Canada. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive participation - Attend all CSV Executive Committee monthly meetings, contribute to discussions, and provide support through participation, with particular attention to advising on trainee-related matters.
Overseeing the CSV Provincial Ambassadors Program, including scheduling meetings and supporting trainee-focused events.
Assist planning and execution of virtual events, such as seminar series and career development workshops.
Managing and creating content for CSV social media platforms, including LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Bluesky, and Instagram.

Current trainee representative, Trinity, on why she joined the CSV executive team: “ I joined the CSV executive team because CSV has been such a supportive and inspiring community since I was in the third year of my undergraduate studies. From the beginning, I felt welcomed into a vibrant network of trainees and researchers across Canada. The society creates a welcoming environment where trainees can grow into the next generation of Canadian virologists, and I am excited to give back and help strengthen that community.”

Early Career Investigator Director Position – 1 position – 2-year term

This position is open for nomination of an early-career investigator (less than 5 years in the research position), where “investigator” is defined as an individual holding a research-based position in a Canadian-based academic institution or industry, and whose primary research area is relevant to virology.

The ECR Director supports and advocates for early career researchers (ECRs) within the Canadian virology community through program development, outreach, and strategic engagement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive participation - Attend all CSV Executive Committee monthly meetings, contribute to discussions, and provide support through participation in strategic planning, policy discussions, and special projects aligned with CSV’s mission.

Contributing to and coordinating social media and communication initiatives to highlight ECR achievements, opportunities, and events.

Developing and leading programs that elevate early career voices, including virtual seminar series, career development workshops, and networking events.

Working closely with the Trainee Representative(s) to design and implement new initiatives, such as a Provincial Ambassador Program, to strengthen regional engagement and peer mentorship.

Promoting equity, inclusion, and professional development for trainees and early career scientists across Canada.

Current ECR director representative, Ann, on why she joined the CSV executive team: “I joined the CSV executive team to learn more about the Canadian virology landscape and to connect with colleagues across the country. It has been a great opportunity to meet the executive board and interact with early-career researchers involved with CSV.”

Director Position - 2 positions – 2-year term

These positions are open for nominations of early-career (less than 5 years in the research position), mid-career (5-15 years in a research position) and senior (more than 15 years in a research position) investigators, where “investigator” is defined as an individual holding a research-based position in a Canadian-based academic institution or industry, and whose primary research area is relevant to virology.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive participation - Attend all CSV Executive Committee monthly meetings, contribute to discussions, and provide support in decision-making processes and monthly meetings of the CSV executive committee.
Organize and communicate with CSV University delegates, ensuring they are updated and informed on CSV activities and initiatives.
Help with CSV annual meeting fundraising and provide support to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) as necessary
Participate promptly in matters of urgency that require CSV to respond to an ongoing or emerging issue
Contribute and participate in the development of constitutional and administrative documents
Participate in and help organize CSV virtual events during the year and help direct and coordinate other initiatives
Support and help disseminate trainee-focused educational and professional development events that contribute to building and training the next generation of virologists in Canada.

Current director representative, Arinjay, on why he joined the CSV executive team: “This was an excellent opportunity to support the virology community in Canada that supported me when I was a trainee.”

Secretary–Treasurer – 1 position – 2-year term

This position is open for nominations of early-career (less than 5 years in the research position), mid-career (5-15 years in a research position) and senior (more than 15 years in a research position) investigators, where “investigator” is defined as an individual holding a research-based position in a Canadian-based academic institution or industry, and whose primary research area is relevant to virology.

The Secretary–Treasurer plays a central organizational and administrative role within the Canadian Society for Virology. This position supports the continuity, transparency, and efficient functioning of the CSV Executive and helps ensure smooth planning and financial stability for the society. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive participation - Attend all CSV Executive Committee monthly meetings, contribute to discussions, and provide continuity across agenda items and action items.
Documentation and record-keeping - Take detailed notes during Executive meetings, prepare and circulate draft minutes for approval, and maintain an organized archive of meeting records.
Financial management - Oversee the operation of the CSV accounts, including downloading and maintaining monthly bank statements, tracking income and expenses, and ensuring appropriate documentation of financial activities (tax filing, bookkeeping, etc)
Payment processing - Issue payments and reimbursements as needed (typically infrequent) and ensure all financial transactions align with CSV policies and approved budgets.
Support organizing the bi-annual meeting - Liaise with the organizers of the bi-annual CSV Symposium to provide administrative support, financial information, and continuity from previous events.

Current secretary-treasurer, Sarah, on why she joined the CSV executive team: I joined the CSV Executive Team because I wanted to feel more connected to the Canadian virology community and the people who drive it. Serving on the executive gives me the chance to give back to a field that has supported my own growth while helping shape the direction of our society. I am passionate about creating opportunities for scientists across career stages, in particular early career researchers, and advocating for the advancement of virology research in Canada.”

Vice President – 1 position – 2-year term, followed by 2-year term as President, and 2-year term as Past-President

This position is open for nominations of early-career (less than 5 years in the research position), mid-career (5-15 years in a research position) and senior (more than 15 years in a research position) investigators, where “investigator” is defined as an individual holding a research-based position in a Canadian-based academic institution or industry, and whose primary research area is relevant to virology.

The Vice President, with the Secretary-Treasurer and President, plays a core leadership role in the Canadian Society for Virology. This position supports many initiatives conceived at the CSV Executive meetings. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive participation – Attend all CSV Executive Committee monthly meetings, participate in discussions and contribute to ongoing initiatives.
The President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer work together closely regarding issues involving society governance and fiscal responsibility.
Provide organizational support for the President including leadership of CSV initiatives.
Learn about CSV organization, finances, mission and responsibilities prior to the leadership transition after 2 years.

Current Vice President, Jenn, on why she joined the CSV executive team:

“I am a Canadian-born, 100% Canadian-trained virologist. I wanted to support CSV because I believe in its mission – to support, unite, elevate and educate the virologists of our country. I was a new PI when CSV started, and the sense of community and collaboration CSV fostered was so beneficial to my lab. I want to pay that forward and serve the CSV community.”

President - not an elected position (Vice President becomes President)

This position is not open for election as the Vice President takes over the role of President after two years.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive participation – Plan and chair all CSV Executive Committee monthly meetings, lead discussions, and oversee operations.
The President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer work together closely regarding issues involving society governance and fiscal responsibilities of a non-profit organization
Co-ordination of the executive and its activities and responsibilities including delegation of tasks to other executive members to keep CSV running and ensure success
Provide oversight and balanced perspective for initiatives spearheaded by the CSV executive.
Provide guidance on strategic objectives of the CSV
Represent CSV with CIHR or other government or academic groups
Act as spokesperson and figurehead of the CSV.

Current President, Selena, on why she joined the CSV executive team: “I remember the exhaustion of trying to ‘reinvent the wheel’ as a young PI. That all changed the moment I reached out and found a community ready to catch me. From shared protocols and reagents to career-defining advice and active advocacy, my mentors and peers transformed my trajectory. I chose to lead the CSV to pay that debt forward – ensuring our society remains a place where no one feels they must ‘do it all’ alone. My goal is to foster an environment where resources, expertise, and opportunity flow freely to the next generation of budding virologists.”