André Isabelle has been appointed associate VP of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE). Isabelle was director of the Energy, Environment and Resources Division at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and is a veteran research administrator. He previously managed the NCE program on an interim basis for two years before the arrival of Jean-Claude Gavrel, who held the post for 12 years before stepping down earlier this year (R$, March 29//12). Other positions Isabelle has held at NSERC include head of its strategic projects and research networks division. Prior to his appointment, the position was held on an interim basis by two NSERC deputy directors — Lisa Drouillard and Stephanie Michaud.