Shannon Bard

Shannon Bard is a prominent figure in the field of environmental health and sustainability, currently serving as the Lead of the Climate Venture Studio at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This role involves co-leading an innovation incubator focused on accelerating the market launch of science-based climate solutions. With over 25 years of experience, Shannon has a robust background in commercializing innovations related to marine biology, ocean technology, and toxicology, among other areas.1

In addition to her work at UBC, Shannon holds the position of Executive in Residence at Foresight Cleantech Accelerator and the Ocean Startup Project, where she provides strategic advice to CEOs of ocean technology startups. Her previous roles include serving as the global Director of Innovation for Hemmera and Ausenco, where she developed a corporate innovation program aimed at fostering industrial-academic-government collaborations to address sustainability challenges.1

Shannon's expertise extends to leading multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex environmental issues, and she is known for her ability to communicate intricate topics in an accessible manner. This skill has made her a sought-after speaker, having delivered over 200 presentations worldwide. She is also the founding Director of Coastal Scene Investigation, which focuses on stakeholder engagement in marine ecotoxicology and coastal conservation.1

Her academic background includes a tenure as a professor of Environmental Science at Dalhousie University and recognition for her contributions to environmental science through various awards.1