Rebecca Finlay

Rebecca founded CIFAR’s global knowledge mobilization practice in 2014, bringing together experts in industry, civil society, healthcare and government to accelerate the societal impact of CIFAR’s research programs. In 2017, she was responsible for the launch of CIFAR’s AI & Society program to support international working groups and thought leadership on the questions AI poses for all aspects of policy and society. She leads CIFAR’s partnerships with governments and public sector organizations in Canada and worldwide. In 2019, she was honoured as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Rebecca holds an M.Phil. in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an Honours BA from McGill University. Prior to joining CIFAR, Rebecca held leadership roles in research and civil society organizations including as Group Director, Public Affairs and Cancer Control for the Canadian Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute of Canada. She began her career in the private sector building strategic partnerships, including as First Vice President, Financial Institution and Partnership Marketing for Bank One International. She has served on hospital, foundation and non-profit boards of directors.