Having taught and mentored students at both McGill University and the Université de Montreal for over 25 years, Dr. Fischler’s reach of influence has extended all over Canada, as well as internationally, through his role as an academic, researcher, and professor. As a research supervisor, he has guided and shared his knowledge with over 80 doctoral and masters’ students who have gone on to make their own marks in the profession. In 2013, McGill University awarded him the Principal’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching when he was Director of the McGill School of Urban Planning, and in 2018, he began his current leadership role as Dean of the Université de Montreal Faculté de l’aménagement.
 
While Dr. Fischler’s impact on students has been profound, it is his contributions to research in planning that reflect his mastery in the field. His expertise in the history of zoning is recognized throughout North America. His publications in this area have been extensive and continue to inform countless practitioners and students. Dr. Fischler has been the recipient of many awards for his expertise, including CIP, the American Planning Association, the International Planning History Society, and the Urban History Association. In 2019, his deep knowledge of planning history in Canada substantially shaped the marking of CIP’s centenary in his role as co-editor for the Plan Canada Centenary special issue edition.
 
In addition to his outstanding teaching and research work, Dr. Fischler has also devoted himself to community service and the advancement of the profession. When certification and accreditation requirements were being revisited and renewed a decade ago, he played a central role in the definition of the new standards as Co-Chair of the Task Force on Accreditation. He also served on the CIP Policy Committee. In Quebec, his volunteer contributions have included leadership roles as a Board member on the Ordre des urbanistes du Quebec (OUQ) and member of the Comité Jacques-Viger, the design and planning review committee of the City of Montreal. As a highly respected and accomplished member of OUQ, he was honoured in 2014 with the designation of Urbaniste émerite (Fellow).
 
The career and accomplishments of Dr. Raphaël Fischler in the field of urban planning have been truly exemplary and his work continues to inspire generations of planners.