Alastair Summerlee is a passionate humanitarian, dedicated teacher and internationally renowned researcher. He served as president of the University of Guelph, Canada (2003-2014). During his tenure the University became preeminent among Canadian universities with a strong reputation in food security and civic engagement. In receipt of a prestigious 3M teaching fellowship, the first president elect in North America awarded this honour, he still teaches and is actively engaged in research.
Summerlee has received significant support for research in cancer, iron deficiency and HIV/AIDS and is published widely. He is a strong advocate for sustainable, socially-driven business to solve hunger and food security issues worldwide. His contributions to humanitarian action have been recognized by awards from Soka University (Japan), the International Quality of Life Award from Auburn University (AL), YM/YWCA and Rotary International (Canada). He is currently chair of the Advisory Board of the Hunger Solutions Institute.