John Hirdes, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, has received the designation of University Professor. He is one of two faculty members, along with Robert Mann in Physics and Astronomy, to be named in 2022. The designation recognizes exceptional scholarly achievement and international pre-eminence. Once appointed, a faculty member retains the designation until retirement.
A fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Hirdes is known for his research in geriatric assessment, mental health, health care and service delivery and health information management. He is the senior Canadian Fellow and a board member of interRAI, an international consortium of researchers from more than 35 countries. He also chairs interRAI's International Network of Excellence in Mental Health and the interRAI Network of Canada, and chaired the University’s Committee on Student Mental Health (CoSMH).
“I started as an undergrad student in Health Studies at University of Waterloo in 1980,” Hirdes said. “Ten years later, I became a faculty member in the program in Gerontology. Today I feel incredibly honoured to receive the designation University Professor.”
He thanks his many mentors, colleagues, family and friends, and the staff who supported him at every stage. “Special thanks to the students and post-docs who've shared this journey with me and continue to inspire me with their achievements. I also want to thank my many colleagues in the interRAI network who continue to collaborate on our shared passion for making the world better for vulnerable persons. Lastly, I want to thank my late PhD supervisor, William F. Forbes, who gave me the chance to pursue opportunities I never dreamed of. I hope my time at Waterloo so far has been a fitting tribute to him.”