Dr. James Orbinski, OC OOnt MSC is the seventh Principal of Massey College at the University of Toronto, continuing a distinguished legacy of leadership that began with Robertson Davies. An internationally recognized humanitarian and pioneer in global health, Dr. Orbinski brings decades of frontline experience, intellectual leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
Dr. Orbinski accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Médecins Sans Frontières in 1999, in recognition of the organization’s humanitarian work. He was also awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for his service during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. His career has been defined by work in some of the world’s most challenging crisis zones, advocating for equitable access to healthcare and human dignity.
A leading figure in global health innovation, Dr. Orbinski is the founding director of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research and a co-founder of both the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative and Dignitas International. His work and experiences have been widely documented, including in the award-winning film Triage and his best-selling memoir, An Imperfect Offering.
In addition to his role at Massey College, Dr. Orbinski is a professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. His leadership reflects Massey College’s enduring mission to cultivate learning, ethical leadership, and thoughtful dialogue in service to the public good.
As we mark Asian Heritage Month in Canada, Massey College is delighted to announce a transformative donation of $500,000 from the Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy and the Lee Tak Wai Foundation. This gift will endow the Richard Charles Lee Award (R C Lee Award) in Asian Studies, established in tribute to Madame Poy’s father, who was deeply committed to community, business,Continue reading "Principal’s Message – May 12, 2026"
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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Au nom de toute la communauté du Massey College, je tiens à féliciter notre Senior Fellow, Louise Arbour, pour sa nomination au poste de gouverneure générale du Canada. Madame Arbour’s lifelong commitment to justice, human rights, and the public good is emblematic of everything that makes our community so vitally important. Massey CollegeContinue reading "Principal’s Message – May 6, 2026"
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This week, Massey College will be celebrating our graduating Junior Fellows at the final High Table of the academic year. As they reflect on the wisdom gleaned from their time here, I would like to offer them—and the entire Massey College community—some truly inspiring words from a very special guest we hosted recently. Earlier thisContinue reading "Principal’s Message – March 18, 2026"
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These are exciting days at Massey College, as we look forward to upcoming events like Friday’s sold out reading by Margaret Atwood, the December 11 High Table with special guest speaker Timothy Snyder, the Senior Fellow lunch with Janice Stein, and of course lots of holiday celebrations upcoming including the Winter Gaudy! Please read through the events and newsContinue reading "Principal’s Message – November 25 2025"
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Join me later this month for an unforgettable cinq á sept with Margaret Atwood, Canada’s most celebrated literary voice, who will give a captivating reading from her newly-published memoir, Book of Lives, followed by an intimate conversation and Q&A. This exclusive event in support of the Massey College Visiting Scholars and Fellows Program also celebrates the appointment ofContinue reading "Principal’s Message – November 13th 2025"
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This year’s Massey Lectures have inspired a groundswell of conversation and engagement to sold-out audiences across Canada. These reflect a shared commitment to justice, dignity, and truth. From Mark Kersten’s reflections on persistence and progress, to an interview between Quadrangle Society Member Steve Paikin and Alex Neve that explores the fragility and potential renewal of international institutions, the conversation continuesContinue reading "Principal’s Message – October 30th 2025"
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With the fall term in full swing, the Massey College quad is once again active with conversation, ideas, and community engagement. It is the spirit that defines our institution. New leadership, new vision, and strong support from our donors over the summer all mean Massey is renewing its full rhythm. Junior Fellows, Senior Fellows, QuadrangleContinue reading "Principal’s Message – October 24 2025"
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In a fractured world at a hinge moment, I was not surprised that the news of General Roméo Dallaire joining Massey College as Chair for Peace, and his speaking at the Oct 24 Massey College High Table, generated an enthusiastic response from our community. So much so that we will be adding a special eventContinue reading "Principal’s Message – October 9th 2025"
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