Following an extensive international search, Professor Michael Hutchison has been appointed director of the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS), a global centre of excellence for high performance sport science and sport medicine, established through a generous $20-million gift from the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation.
Hutchison is a professor in the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), one of the three pillars of TISS, which brings together sport and exercise researchers at KPE, clinician scientists in sport medicine at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and clinicians and researchers at Toronto’s Sinai Health.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed director of TISS, particularly within a community that has shaped so much of my academic and professional journey,” said Hutchison. “TISS has the potential to set a global standard for how high performance sport science and sport medicine are integrated to improve athlete outcomes, and I’m excited to work collaboratively to advance that vision and translate research into real-world impact.”
Hutchison completed his doctoral studies in rehabilitation sciences at U of T, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in the Injury Prevention Office at St. Michael’s Hospital. He joined the faculty of KPE in 2015 and was appointed director of the Centre for Sport-Related Concussion Research, Innovation and Knowledge in 2021.
An internationally recognized expert in sport-related concussion research, Hutchison has secured more than $10 million in research funding and built a distinguished publication record. His research on sport-related concussion has had a meaningful impact on policy and practice in professional sport. As Chief Scientific Officer for the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), he has contributed to multiple NHL/NHLPA committees and played a key role in advancing concussion safety, most notably informing Rule 48 on illegal checks to the head and helping to shape concussion evaluation protocols.
“Central to Dr. Hutchison’s scholarly work is a strong commitment to knowledge translation and innovation, including co-founding Rhea Health, a digital tool that supports concussion recovery,” said Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE. “Through his research, policy engagement and industry partnerships, Dr. Hutchison continues to lead advancements in athlete health and safety, and I’m delighted to welcome him to this important role.”
Hutchison will be succeeding Professor Ira Jacobs, TISS’ inaugural director, for a five-year term.