Julie Leblanc

Professional biography

Julie is a project officer with the Advanced Reactor Licensing Division and has worked at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) since 2015. Previously, she worked as a radiation and health sciences officer, a radiobiology subject matter expert actively involved in low-dose radiation research. She also worked as the Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Special Advisor, leading gender equity initiatives both domestically and abroad. She now leads and supports new nuclear licensing projects.

Expertise and education

She holds a bachelor of science and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Ottawa. Her expertise includes radiobiology, radiation protection, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, developmental biology and risk communication. Her research has focused on biological mechanisms associated with low doses of ionizing radiation and how those findings support radiation protection.

Roles and responsibilities

Her ability to coordinate complex projects, combined with her technical background makes Julie an effective licensing project officer. Her responsibilities include providing guidance on licensing and regulatory requirements to proponents and applicants, managing multi-disciplinary technical reviews in support of licensing projects and disseminating objective scientific, technical, and regulatory information to the public.

Other highlights

Julie is a strong supporter of Women in STEM initiatives. She has also participated in international radiation protection work as an International Commission on Radiological Protection mentee and as a member of Task Group 111.