July 23, 2007
Philanthropist backs creation of new diabetes research chair at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta and the Alberta Diabetes Foundation are pleased to announce a $1.5 million donation from Edmonton born philanthropist Peter Allard. This generous contribution will enable the University of Alberta to create the Dr. Charles A. Allard Chair in Diabetes Research, a position named in honor of the donor's late father and renowned Edmonton surgeon. The chair will be held by the new scientific director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI), Dr. Ronald Gill, a recent recruit from the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diseases at the University of Colorado. "This new chair will ensure the U of A remains in the forefront of the fight against diabetes," says Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Tom Marrie. "With our long and illustrious history in conducting diabetes research, it's fitting that the chair will be named in honor of Dr. Charles Allard, a remarkable visionary, professional and entrepreneur who earned his medical degree here at the University of Alberta." Dr. Allard's son, Peter, says: "I'm pleased to be able to honor my father's memory and support an incredibly strong area of research at his alma mater. Over the years I've watched University of Alberta researchers make important strides in helping us understand and combat diabetes, and I know they'll make many more important contributions in the years ahead." The University of Alberta will seek $1.5 million in matched funds from the government of Alberta's Access to the Future Fund, an endowment used to launch new and innovative postsecondary initiatives. Fully funded at $3 million, the endowment income from the chair will fund the chair holder's educational and research activities. "There is a critical mass of talented, excited people here at the University of Alberta who really want to succeed, and after a while that just became irresistible," says Dr. Gill, explaining his move to Edmonton to assume the chair and scientific directorship of the Alberta Diabetes Institute. With a background in immunology focused on tissue and organ transplantation, Dr. Gill arrives at a good time. In 2008, the University will officially open the Alberta Diabetes Institute. The facility will be home to an interdisciplinary group of researchers and educators committed to leading the world in curing diabetes. Through scientific excellence and teamwork, ADI researchers and educators are committed to discovering new methods to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes. They hope their discoveries will be rapidly translated into patient care in local clinics and shared world-wide. The new Institute will be housed in one of two new health research buildings now under construction on campus. Our partnership with the Alberta Diabetes Foundation will allow for growth and sustainability for many important initiatives. The Foundation is taking on a significant capital campaign to support the construction of the ADI's new home as well as seeking additional support for endowed research chairs. Today's announcement is a reflection of this ongoing collaboration and partnership. We look forward to future successes as we celebrate this exceptional day for all concerned. Experts estimate that there are over 2 million Canadians with diabetes; by the end of the decade that number is expected to rise to 3 million. Approximately 10 percent of people living with diabetes have type 1 diabetes, but the number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically for several reasons: an aging population, rising obesity rates, and sedentary lifestyles. Aboriginal people are particularly vulnerable, being three to five times more likely than the general population to develop type 2 diabetes.
Source: University of Alberta

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July 17, 2007
Concordia University: Dr Stylianos Perrakis elected to the Royal Society of Canada
One of John Molson School of Business' eminent faculty members, Dr Stylianos Perrakis, has been elected to the Royal Society of Canada, the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada. Founded in 1882, the RSC is Canada's oldest and most prestigious scholarly society. Its primary objective is to promote learning and research in the arts and sciences. The election of Dr Perrakis was announced July 6 by Governor-General Michaëlle Jean. In keeping with the motto of the Society, "Different paths, one vision", the newly elected Fellows are dedicated to achieving excellence, thus enhancing Canada's competitiveness on a global basis. "I am very pleased," said Dr Perrakis. "When you do research for 36 years, (and I'm not stopping) what remains is a few results that will last after you have gone!" Born in Greece but living in Canada since 1970, Dr. Perrakis has been the recipient of various distinctions throughout his career, and is cited in Who's Who in Economics as one among the 50 most frequently cited Canadian economists. He is well-known for his contributions in the areas of the economics of uncertainty, industrial organization and the valuation of complex financial instruments. Election to RSC is the highest honour that can be attained by scholars, artists and scientists in Canada. "The Society is proud to celebrate the intellectual achievements of the new Fellows", said Dr Patricia Demers, President of the Society. "We wish to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of persons of talent, expertise and creativity. Canadians have directly benefited from the outstanding achievements of these individuals. The new Fellows of RSC are among those who, today, build the world we will live in tomorrow." This year's new Fellows will be inducted at a ceremony to be held Saturday, November 17, 2007, in Edmonton. The complete list of newly elected Fellows and their affiliations can be found on the RSC website.
Source: Concordia University, Québec

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