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Research chairs boost molecular and aboriginal health research at SFU
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Contact:
Mary-Ellen Kelm, 250-960-6683, kelm@sfu.ca
Neil Branda, 604-291-3594, nbranda@sfu.ca
Media/PR Office, 604-291-3210
Mary-Ellen Kelm, 250-960-6683, kelm@sfu.ca
Neil Branda, 604-291-3594, nbranda@sfu.ca
Media/PR Office, 604-291-3210
November 16, 2005
A scientist known for his ability to manipulate molecules and a historian known for her incisive analysis of aboriginal health issues are Simon Fraser University's newest Canada Research Chairs (CRC).
Neil Branda is one of only three recent CRC appointees across Canada to be elevated from a $500,000 Tier 2 five-year junior chair in material science, which he received five years ago, to a seven-year Tier 1 senior chair, worth $1.4 million. The appointment includes a $200,000 Canada Fund for Innovation (CFI) grant.
Mary-Ellen Kelm, a history professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, will fill a new Tier 2 chair focusing on indigenous peoples of North America, at SFU beginning January 2006. The appointment includes a $120,000 CFI grant.
The renewable, federally funded chairs enable promising scientists to devote more time to groundbreaking projects by freeing them up from teaching duties. The chairs are often accompanied by CFI infrastructure grants to support their projects.
Branda's work with researchers at Vancouver General Hospital could lead to new treatments for prostate cancer, including drug delivery systems that, when activated with light, will enable drugs to directly target tumours.
Branda is also a founder and director of molecular systems at SFU's new 4D Labs research centre for new materials and nanoscale devices. And he is the first SFU researcher to earn one of Canada's premier science and engineering prizes-the Steacie Fellowship.
Kelm is studying the history of medical research on Aboriginal health. Her research is leading to a greater understanding of the ethical issues underlying medical research involving Aboriginal people.
The two selections increase SFU's share of CRC appointments to 32, including $30.4 million in funding, with eight more seats to be filled. The university's CFI grants so far total $4.1 million.
Neil Branda is one of only three recent CRC appointees across Canada to be elevated from a $500,000 Tier 2 five-year junior chair in material science, which he received five years ago, to a seven-year Tier 1 senior chair, worth $1.4 million. The appointment includes a $200,000 Canada Fund for Innovation (CFI) grant.
Mary-Ellen Kelm, a history professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, will fill a new Tier 2 chair focusing on indigenous peoples of North America, at SFU beginning January 2006. The appointment includes a $120,000 CFI grant.
The renewable, federally funded chairs enable promising scientists to devote more time to groundbreaking projects by freeing them up from teaching duties. The chairs are often accompanied by CFI infrastructure grants to support their projects.
Branda's work with researchers at Vancouver General Hospital could lead to new treatments for prostate cancer, including drug delivery systems that, when activated with light, will enable drugs to directly target tumours.
Branda is also a founder and director of molecular systems at SFU's new 4D Labs research centre for new materials and nanoscale devices. And he is the first SFU researcher to earn one of Canada's premier science and engineering prizes-the Steacie Fellowship.
Kelm is studying the history of medical research on Aboriginal health. Her research is leading to a greater understanding of the ethical issues underlying medical research involving Aboriginal people.
The two selections increase SFU's share of CRC appointments to 32, including $30.4 million in funding, with eight more seats to be filled. The university's CFI grants so far total $4.1 million.