About Us
Our Vision & Mission | History of the Institute | Our Goals | Institute Leadership
Our Vision & Mission
History of the Institute
Western has been home to a flourishing, internationally recognized program in philosophy of science for a half century. Building on this standing and record of research excellence, Western successfully attracted philanthropic support to establish the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. The Rotman Institute was founded in 2008, with a generous donation from the Rotman Family Foundation (RFF), and became a Western Research Institute in 2021. The institute has pursued an agenda that complements and builds on the research strengths of Western’s philosophy department, including applied ethics as well as philosophy of science.
Since its inception, the Rotman Institute has grown tremendously in terms of faculty participation, partnerships and leveraged funding – we now have more than 50 faculty members, and our members have been successful in securing additional funding through a combination of internal & external grants and awards.
Our Goals
1 To foster success for Rotman Institute researchers at all levels.
2 To create a research environment that fosters innovative solutions to deep and wicked problems.
3 To provide distinctive interdisciplinary training for students in the sciences and humanities.
4 To integrate philosophical and ethical considerations into scientific research, the development of technologies, and public policy.
5 To inform and engage the public on deep and wicked problems.
Institute Leadership
The Director of the Rotman Institute actively pursues our goals and strategic priorities, in collaboration with Western Research’s Governing Board, an Advisory Board, a Research Advisory Committee, and an Executive Committee.
The current leadership includes:
- Michael Anderson, Interim Director
- Max Smith, Associate Directors (Policy & Outreach)
- Francesca Vidotto, Associate Directors (Member Initiatives)
- Chris Smeenk, Associate Directors (Advancement)
Previous Directors have served for the following terms:
2008 – 2012: Charles Weijer
2012 – 2013: Chris Smeenk
2013 – 2014: Carl Hoefer
2014 – 2015: Henrik Lagerlund, Acting Director
2015 – 2019: Chris Smeenk
2019 – 2020: Anthony Skelton, Interim Director
2020 – 2023: Chris Smeenk
Administrative Staff
For questions regarding events, institute membership, applications to our postdoctoral or visiting fellowship programs, or for general inquiries, please contact us.
