About the President

Professor Melanie A. Woodin is an internationally recognized neuroscientist and the 17th President of the University of Toronto. You can learn more about her biography, her work in the community, her leadership team and the history of the position on this page. 

Meet President Woodin

Melanie A. Woodin, an internationally recognized neuroscientist, began her term as the University of Toronto’s 17th President on July 1, 2025.

A widely respected scholar, teacher, mentor and administrator, President Woodin is a Professor in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology and former Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts & Science — Canada’s largest and most comprehensive faculty.  

She is renowned for her multidisciplinary approach to examining synaptic communication in the brain and has authored or co-authored more than 50 academic papers and book chapters. President Woodin and her research team are unravelling mechanisms that lead to neurological disorders and diseases, including autism spectrum disorder, Huntington’s disease and ALS.  

View Full Biography
President Woodin connecting with students, handing out popsicles in front of Sidney Smith Hall.
President Woodin connecting with students, handing out popsicles in front of Sidney Smith Hall.
President Woodin chats with U of T Chancellor Wes Hall following a meeting of Governing Council.
President Woodin chats with U of T Chancellor Wes Hall following a meeting of Governing Council.
Staff members, wearing orange safety jackets, chat with President Woodin at a reception event at U of T Scarborough.
Staff members, wearing orange safety jackets, chat with President Woodin at a reception event at U of T Scarborough.
President Woodin participating in a convocation ceremony.
President Woodin participating in a convocation ceremony.
President Woodin meets with Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his visit to the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
President Woodin meets with Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his visit to the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
Incoming Governing Council student member Albert Pan snaps a photo with President Woodin at U of T Mississauga.
Incoming Governing Council student member Albert Pan snaps a photo with President Woodin at U of T Mississauga.
President Woodin speaks with U of T Nobel-Prize winner University Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024.
President Woodin speaks with U of T Nobel-Prize winner University Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024.
President Woodin takes a photo with students at U of T Mississauga.
President Woodin takes a photo with students at U of T Mississauga.

In the Community

Stay up to date with President Woodin by exploring her latest activities on our three campuses and her recent engagement with the wider community.

Video

2025

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

More in the Community

The President’s Leadership Team

This team works with the President to uphold the vision, mission, and global reputation of the University.

President’s Leadership Team

Office of the President

The Office of the President is dedicated to supporting the President’s leadership and strategic direction of the University.

Discover the Office

History of the Presidency

Seventeen presidents have served the University of Toronto since its founding in 1827. Together with an extraordinary cast of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, they have transformed the University into a global powerhouse for research, teaching, and innovation.

Learn About the History

Travel & Hospitality Expenses

The President posts all travel and hospitality expenses to meet the University of Toronto’s standards for good governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

View Expense Reports