November 30, 2004

One researcher creates a wave; many can change the tide

Posted November 30, 2004

Prepared by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NOVEMBER 27, 2004

One researcher creates a wave; many can change the tide

Saskatoon (Nov. 27, 2004) - One research breakthrough may make a life or
death difference for many people. Hundreds of researchers focusing on
finding new preventions and treatments for heart disease and stroke may make
that same difference for a whole generation of Canadians. This is the
driving force behind the Heart and Stroke Foundation's research projects.

Today in Saskatoon the Foundation announced that it has dedicated $1.18
million during the coming year to support diverse projects of Saskatchewan
researchers looking to better understand why heart disease and stroke
develop and seeking new ways to prevent and treat these devastating
diseases.

Dr. Jim Thornhill, of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Research Committee,
says this research is crucial because four out of every ten people will
develop some form of heart disease or stroke over their lifetime - a tide
waiting to claim the lives of more than 75,000 Canadians in the coming year
alone.

"There are few areas of health research that have the potential to help so
many people," he says. "Research projects funded by the Heart and Stroke
Foundation go through a rigorous evaluation process, and one of the key
factors is the potential of the project to make a significant impact on the
lives of Canadians."

Dr. Bruce Waygood, University Co-ordinator of Health Research, says
Saskatchewan's health research community is fortunate to have the generous
support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan.

"Funding from the Foundation is one of the larger and more stable sources of
support for research on which the Saskatchewan universities can build," he
said. "It is a sustainable and competitive granting agency which encourages
high quality research in Saskatchewan that has national and international
impact."
Thornhill notes that as part of this year's Heart and Stroke Foundation
research investment, twelve research teams at the University of Saskatchewan
will receive grant-in-aid funding. These projects include diverse topics in
diverse settings, from the test tube right through to the gymnasium. For
example:
- Dr. Phil Chilibeck will recruit men and women in the Saskatoon area to
take part in a project to see if combining two treatments (dietary
supplement of flax lignan along with regular exercise) will provide a "sum
is more than the parts" benefit to people with high cholesterol.
- Dr. Deb Saucier has noted that although stroke is most commonly thought to
be a disease of the elderly, a surprising fact is that it affects newborns
too, especially those born prematurely. These infants are severely affected,
and Dr. Saucier is looking to expand our understanding of how age affects
the degree of brain injury, and at how therapies may help protect these
babies from severe disability.

In addition to the grants-in-aid, the Saskatchewan Foundation supports a
national Heart and Stroke Research Fund, which attracts matching dollars
from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and other organizations.
"So far, this fund has had success in leveraging a 4-to-1 return for every
dollar we have invested, allowing us to do far more than we could do alone
and bringing significant research funding back to our province," says
Thornhill.
Additionally, a new research investment for the Foundation this year is
start-up funding which has allowed the dream of a biomedical beamline at the
Canadian Light Source synchrotron to become a reality.

"Heart and stroke researchers are on the edge of exciting new breakthroughs,
and one of the important reasons is our new - and still developing - ability
to peer inside the living cell. The biomedical beamline at the synchrotron
will offer unprecedented potential for researchers to understand the
underlying causes and processes of heart disease and stroke, and to develop
new ways to precisely target the delivery of drugs or other therapies," says
Thornhill. "Researchers here - and across Canada - are very excited at the
potential of the synchrotron to help us make great strides heart and stroke
research."

Currently heart disease and stroke cause more than one in every three deaths
in Canada, however experts predict that our aging population will push that
total higher in coming years. It is the most expensive category of diseases
to treat and the leading cause of hospitalizations and adult disability.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan is a non-profit, voluntary
organization with a mandate to improve health by reducing the impact of
heart disease and stroke. For more information on these research projects
call the Foundation at 1-888-473-4636 for your copy of Finding Answers
Through Research, or log onto www.heartandstroke.sk.ca

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For more information, contact:

Rhae Ann Bromley, Director of Communication,
Heart and Stroke Foundation of SK
(306) 693-0350
Cell: (306) 631-8559
bromleyra@hsf.sk.ca
www.heartandstroke.sk.ca

Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research

November 29, 2004

U of S Researchers Awarded Saskatchewan Order of Merit

Posted November 29, 2004

The following information was provided by Research Communications, University of Saskatchewan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, November 25, 2004

U of S Researchers Awarded Saskatchewan Order of Merit

Two U of S researchers are among seven recent recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

Rajendra Sharma, a professor in the department of pathology and research scientist with the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, was recognized for his lifetime research achievements, including leading work in the biochemistry of cell signaling systems. One class of proteins, called N- myristoyltransferase protein, is involved in the onset of cancer and has been suggested by Sharma as a target for new drugs.

Also named to the Order was John McLeod, U of S professor emeritus from the department of educational psychology and special education. McLeod has developed several achievement tests for basic subjects to help evaluate students and treat those with learning disabilities.

The newest inductees bring to 122 the number to receive the Order of Merit since its inception in 1985. A full listing of the latest group, together with brief profiles, is available at the Government of Saskatchewan website: http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2004/11/16-716.html

For more information, contact:

Michael Robin
Research Communications Officer
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research



November 26, 2004

Government commits $15 million to Veterinary College

Posted November 26, 2004


The following news release was issued by the Government of Saskatchewan.

Government commits $15 million to Veterinary College

http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2004/11/26-749.html





November 25, 2004

University of Saskatchewan takes the Dog House to Hamilton

Posted November 25, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 25, 2004
2004-11-37-OTHER

University of Saskatchewan takes the Dog House to Hamilton
Huskie Football Team Prepares for the Desjardins Vanier Cup

"The University of Saskatchewan is proud to recognize the achievements of
our students and staff involved with Huskie Athletics," said University
President Peter MacKinnon. MacKinnon will be attending the Desjardins Vanier
Cup in Hamilton this Saturday to cheer on the U of S Huskie football team in
its efforts to bring home the national title. "The success of the Huskie
football team is symbolic of the motivation, leadership and spirit of the
University of Saskatchewan experience and is a point of pride for our fans
and alumni across Canada!"

The University of Saskatchewan and Huskie Athletics are pleased to provide
to media, the following fact sheet. Contact information is listed at the
conclusion.

DID YOU KNOW...

- University of Saskatchewan President, Peter MacKinnon issued a challenge
to Michel Pigeon, the Rector at Université Laval. The Challenge: the
winning team's president will give the other a sweatshirt to wear on campus
for a day with the stipulation that photographs be taken and supplied to the
winning institution.

- The U of S has sent an e-mail invitation to approximately 800 alumni
living in the Hamilton and Toronto areas inviting them to an alumni and
friends pre-game party from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. EST at Slainte Irish Pub
(33 Bowen St. in Hamilton). Other U of S alumni, donors, friends and parents
of Huskie players are encouraged to attend the pre-game event in Hamilton.
Special ticket prices are available for the game and seats have been
reserved behind the Huskies bench in Boxes G or H or Sections 5 or 6; game
tickets can be ordered by calling Vanier Cup Office 1-866-482-6437 or
905-547-2287.

- Vanier Cup parties will also be taking place starting at 11:00 a.m. CST in
Saskatoon at the 2,400-seat Physical Activity Complex (call 306-966-1020 for
tickets) and in Edmonton at MO's Sports Parlour (call 780-420-5826 for more
information).

- Huskie Athletics is the biggest sports franchise in Saskatchewan with 400
athletes competing on 15 teams.

- Huskie athletes are also students. Building on a tradition of excellence,
the U of S is proud to continually have student athletes named to the CIS
Academic All-Canadian list. To achieve this, students must have maintained
an average of 80% or better while playing on a university team.
In 2003-04, 51 University of Saskatchewan athletes were honoured as Academic
All-Canadians, and six were from the football team.

- In terms of total dollars, the U of S sells more T-shirts, sweatpants,
ball caps and other attire than any other educational institution in Canada!
- Last year the University Bookstore sold approximately 82,000 pieces of
clothing ($2.1 million in sales). Huskie Athletics apparel represented 55%
or $1.16 million in total sales.
- A revenue sharing model from apparel sales helps support Huskie athletes
contributing more than 10% of their annual budget.
- When the football team won the Vanier Cup in 1998, victory T-shirts were
available in the Huskie store less than an hour after the game thanks to the
work of local suppliers.

- Saskatoon On Board is a one-of-a-kind real estate trading game ("opoly"
style) that is customized to showcase Saskatoon attractions and businesses.
This special game sells for $39.99 (+ tax) and all the proceeds benefit the
Huskies football program, scholarships and player recruitment. The Huskies
Football Alumni are hoping to sell 3,500 games!

- In 2004, there were 9 Huskie football alumni playing in the Canadian
Football League (CFL) including:
Glen Carson, Kevin Lefsrud, Rhett McLane - Edmonton Eskimos
Scott Flory, Matt Kellett - Montreal Alouettes
Gene Makowsky (named the 2004 CFL Outstanding Lineman) - Saskatchewan
Roughriders
Kelly Bates - British Columbia Lions
Jason Crumb (British Columbia Lions) and brother Mike Crumb (Toronto
Argonauts) squared off against each other last weekend in the CFL's Grey
Cup.

- Chad Rempel, wide receiver, was drafted last year by the CFL's Edmonton
Eskimos but chose to play his final year with the Huskies.

- Kicker, Braden Suchan played in three football leagues in 2004 - the CIS,
CJFL, and CFL.

- Football Is A Family Tradition -This year, three sets of brothers play on
the team - Scott and David Stevens (both running backs), Jess and Rylan
Michalchuk, and the Koroll threesome of Jarod (Offensive Line), Jayson
(Linebacker), and Jordan (practice roster). There are numerous Huskies who
have followed in the footsteps of their fathers who are football alum. For
more information on this, please see the 2004 Media Guide or call one of the
contacts below.

The Huskies will return to the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
Airport at 11:55 a.m. CST on Sunday Nov. 28.

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For more information, please contact:

Tera Schneider
Sports Information Officer
Huskie Athletics - University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (905) 515-1369 - in Hamilton
Web: www.huskies.usask.ca/

Erin Taman
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: erin.taman@usask.ca

November 23, 2004

Laptops will aid students with disabilities as they prepare to write exams at the University of Saskatchewan

Posted November 23, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 23, 2004 2004-11-33-OTHER

Laptops will aid students with disabilities as they prepare to write exams

David Hannah, Associate Vice-President, Student and Enrolment Services
announced the collaboration and donation of eight laptops to Disability
Services for Students (DSS) at the University of Saskatchewan, today.

This gift is significant, as it will allow students with disabilities to
write exams in a more efficient manner. Statistics from the 1998-99 academic
year indicate that 500 exams were written through the DSS' exam
accommodation program. In 2003-04, nearly 2,000 exam accommodations were
made and nearly 40% required a computer in order for the students to write
their exams.

"Not only are we here to announce the donation of new technology but also to
celebrate improvements in the area of student services and an increased
awareness of students with disabilities on campus," said Hannah. "The
University is very cognizant of the need to provide students with the tools
they require to be successful and these computers will allow for that."

The laptops were the result of collaboration between the Campus Computer
Store (Information Technology Services) and Student and Enrolment Services
Division as well as a private donation from a student.

Students who access the exam accommodation program by registering with DSS
have a variety of needs including; a quiet space to write in, additional
time, use of a computer, and some students require the assistance of a
scribe who often has to write out the student's verbal responses by hand.
The laptops will allow students to write exams on the computers as well as
allowing the scribes a quick way to transcribe answers.

This announcement is very timely as regular session term 1 final
examinations will be held on campus from December 7-23, 2004.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

David Hannah
Associate Vice-President, Student and Enrolment Services
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8710

Maxine Kinakin
Manager, Disability Services for Students
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5673

November 18, 2004

Construction Begins on $3-Million U of S Pulse Research Lab

Posted November 18, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, November 18, 2004 2004-11-26-AG

Construction Begins on $3-Million U of S Pulse Research Lab

Construction will start next week on a $3-million, unique-in-Canada pulse
field research lab attached to the U of S Crop Science Field Laboratory.

The U of S will manage the construction of the addition, as well as own and
operate it. Occupancy is scheduled for the fall of 2005.

The expanded centre for pulse breeding and research near the corner of 108th
St. and Preston Ave is needed to advance Saskatchewan's leadership as a
producer and researcher of pulse crops such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and
beans. The project was spearheaded and initiated by the Saskatchewan Pulse
Growers who continue to lead fund-raising efforts.

"Research is the key to keeping Canada's growing pulse industry profitable
in the long term," said Rick Holm, director of the U of S Crop Development
Centre. "This world-class centre will advance development of new varieties,
improved disease management and agronomy, and improvements in quality that
will provide value to the industry."

Saskatchewan has more than 22,000 pulse producers.

"This is a major step forward for our industry and we're very excited that
construction is beginning and we are seeing the result of our efforts," said
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers board chair Shawn Buhr. "We'd really like to
thank the companies and organizations that have supported this project
financially."

Holm noted that the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers have been key to the growth
and development of the U of S pulse research program. He said the centre,
which will involve both faculty, graduate students and eventually visiting
scientists, is expected to meet the crop breeding and research needs of the
industry for the next 30 years.

To date, $1.8 million has been raised toward the $3-million cost. Officials
are confident that the rest of the money will be confirmed soon from other
public and private funders.

The main funder is the Canada-Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovation Fund which
has committed $1.5 million. Other contributors include Philom Bios, Nitragin
Inc. Bayer CropScience, Bourgault Industries, Bourgault Tillage Tools,
Saskcan Pulse Trading, E.I. DuPont Canada Company, and Benson ADD Board.

In recent years, U of S leadership in pulse crop research has provided the
tools to build a successful Canadian pulse crop industry.

Fewer than a dozen Saskatchewan farmers had tried farming lentils when Al
Slinkard, now professor emeritus at the Crop Development Centre, established
a breeding program at the U of S in the early 1970s. Slinkard had a vision
that Western Canada could not only diversify into pulse crops, but become a
world leader. His programs yielded 19 different pulse varieties including
Laird, the most widely recognized lentil variety in the world. Now Canada is
the world's largest exporter of peas and lentils and a major exporter of
chickpeas and dry beans.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Rick Holm
Director, Crop Development Centre
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8195

Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research

Jackie Blondeau
Special Projects Manager
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
(306) 668-0193
www.saskpulse.com

U of S expands course offerings for high school students

Posted November 18, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 18, 2004 2004-11-27-EXT

U of S expands course offerings for high school students

The University of Saskatchewan Extension Division has expanded its course
offerings to Grade 12 students across the province after the successful
launch of the U2U program last year.

U2U courses offered from January include: Geography 120.4 - Introduction To
Global Environmental Systems; Agriculture 111.3 - Introduction to
Agriculture; Computing 102.3 - Introduction to Computing and Programming;
and Math Readiness (non-credit) for students who wish to prepare for
university-level math.

Last year, the Extension Division piloted the U2U program with the offering
of Geography 111.3: An Introduction to Global Environmental Systems. This
13-week course was delivered to grade 12 students via lectures on videotape
or CD, weekly computer conferencing sessions, and take-home lab assignments.


"Based on the quality of work received from students, the scale of
interaction and the high percentage of successful participants who are
studying at the Universities of Saskatchewan and Regina this fall, U2U is
proving to be a successful initiative," said Walter Archer, Dean of
Extension. "Students who participated in the trial were up to the task,
achieving a group average 15 per cent higher than groups in other first-year
Geography classes."

U2U courses provide an opportunity for academically gifted grade 12 students
to get a head start on their post-secondary education.

Britanny Boechler, originally from Yorkton, Saskatchewan and who is now
attending her first year in the college of Arts and Sciences at the U of S,
participated in the pilot offering of Geography. She says, "The class
definitely helped me to prepare for university. I was not sure how much
greater the workload would be and when I began the class it was a definite
eye-opener. U2U eased the transition by helping me to develop my study
skills and work ethic, and gave me a better understanding of university
courses before I moved to Saskatoon to take a full course load."

Detailed information about the U2U program, including application and
registration material, is available at www.u2u.usask.ca. Students can also
talk to their guidance counselors or principals.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Brittany Boechler
Student, University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 651-7464
blb731@mail.usask.ca

Walter Archer
Dean, Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5536
Fax: (306) 966-5567
Walter.Archer@usask.ca

Shannon Storey
U2U program coordinator
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2085
Cell: (306)229-5629
Fax: (306) 966-4356
Shannon.storey@usask.ca or

Note to Editors: Students in the U2U program last year were from Clavet,
Eyebrow, Melfort, Nipawin, Oxbow, Regina, Saskatoon, Spiritwood, Willow
Bunch, and Yorkton.

November 15, 2004

U of S Commerce Students Win CMA Gold and Silver Awards

Posted November 15, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 15, 2004 2004-11-21-CO

U of S Commerce Students Win CMA Gold and Silver Awards

Eight University of Saskatchewan students and their faculty advisor were
honored on Friday, November 12, 2004 at the Canadian Marketing Association's
34th annual Awards Gala, the largest marketing awards event in the country
held in Toronto. The event attracted over 2,000 industry professionals from
across the country and honours the very best marketing talent in Canada and
the tremendous success they have had creating and executing campaigns that
deliver measurable results.

The CMA Excellence in Marketing - University Category, Gold award winners
are Seema Dattani, Kimberly Schlamp, Evan Olson, Stephen Garner and
Professor Ayten Archer. Silver award winners are Erin Foss, Nicole Boehm,
Tanis Black, Raeleen Meketiuk and Professor Ayten Archer. This year, there
were over 25 university undergraduate and MBA entries from across Canada.

"Our students' award-winning campaigns focused on creating differentiated
marketing strategies for a fictitious Western-Canadian charity. The
gold-medal campaign created an appealing prize structure with the Dream
Architect Lottery and promoted it with the 'Design Your Own Dream' concept,
which allowed ticket purchasers the opportunity to select prizes that met
their lifestyle needs," said Archer. "The strategy was developed after
extensive marketing research was conducted on consumer demographics,
purchasing and lifestyle profiles in a specified targeted geographic area."

"Both judges and industry professionals have commented on the fact that the
University of Saskatchewan has received five awards from the Association in
the past four years, which confirms that we are consistent in our business
teaching effectiveness," Archer added.

"This was an amazing experience. I will remember this day for the rest of my
life and want to thank the University of Saskatchewan for giving me this
opportunity," said student, Seema Dattani.

College of Commerce students and faculty were recognized by the CMA in
2003(Gold), 2001(Silver), and 2000(Merit).

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For more information, please contact:

Ayten Archer
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8424

Andra Thurton
Canadian Marketing Association
Tel: (403) 391-2362

U of S Spin-off gets $3 Million Boost to Develop Anti-inflammatory Drug

Posted November 15, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, November 15, 2004
2004-11-24-OTHER

U of S Spin-off gets $3 Million Boost to Develop Anti-inflammatory Drug

IL Therapeutics, a U of S spin-off company located at Innovation Place,
today received $3 million from the Western Life Sciences Venture Fund (WLS)
to back research and development of a new drug treatment for Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

The bulk of the investment will go to IL Therapeutics to develop a treatment
for ARDS and similar inflammatory diseases based on the work of John Gordon,
an immunologist at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The agreement
also calls for IL Therapeutics or another WLS fund company to contract
research services at the U of S.

"This partnership illustrates how publicly funded university-based research
creates opportunities for business while helping to solve real-world
problems for society," says U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "Universities
provide the initial discoveries that are the foundation for innovation,
while our partners in the investment community help ensure the benefits of
our research reach the public."

ARDS is a rapid form of respiratory failure resulting from an injury to the
lungs, induced by shock, pneumonia or other trauma. Patients with ARDS
experience extreme shortness of breath and often need mechanical ventilation
to help them breathe. Despite years of research, ARDS still kills roughly
half its victims - about 75,000 people each year in the United States alone.

"We are pleased to make our second investment in less than a year in
technology developed at the University of Saskatchewan," says Kevin McGarry,
President of Lombard Life Sciences. "The WLS Fund's "Enterprise
Creation(tm)" model provides the management as well as financial
requirements to move university-based research forward towards
commercialization."

Lombard manages the $90-million Western Life Sciences Venture Fund, which
creates, acquires and develops emerging life sciences companies. The Fund
has recently helped launch two Saskatchewan companies based on technology
developed at the U of S. Investment Saskatchewan Inc. is an investor in the
WLS Fund.

The heart of the technology is a protein, G31P, that can be administered by
injection to patients experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, ARDS. The
treatment may have other applications, such as rheumatoid arthritis and
inflammatory bowel disease in humans, as well as mastitis and shipping fever
in cattle.

The deal is the first major initiative brokered through the U of S Industry
Liaison Office (ILO), formed in 2003 to replace University of Saskatchewan
Technologies Inc. (UST) as part of the university's drive to identify and
foster discoveries with potential for commercialization. The U of S aims to
triple its total revenues from commercialized university-developed
technology to $3 million by 2010.

"Lombard has been an excellent partner in creating a model that will benefit
both the University and their investors," says ILO Managing Director Doug
Gill. "It's a foundation we can build upon to develop future technologies."

ILO operates out of the Office of the Vice-President Research to encourage
invention and innovation by faculty, promote research collaboration and
technology transfer opportunities with industrial partners, and help form
spin-off companies that will create and market products from U of S
inventions.

Over the past five years, UST/ILO has helped to set up seven new companies
in Saskatoon, ranging from small consulting companies to high-tech
nanotechnology and bio-pharmaceutical firms. For information about
available technologies, call 966-1465 or e-mail ilo@usask.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Michael Robin
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca

Doug Gill
ILO Managing Director
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7335
doug.gill@usask.ca

Kevin McGarry
President and CEO
Lombard Life Sciences
(306) 975-9883

November 12, 2004

U of S Awarded $9.4 M for Seven New Research Chairs and Equipment

Posted November 12, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday, November 12, 2004
2004-11-19-OTHER

U of S Awarded $9.4 M for Seven New Research Chairs and Equipment

Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded $9.4 million over the next
seven years for seven new Canada Research Chairs and associated equipment.

The new Chair holders, announced today by Prime Minister Paul Martin, will
conduct research into anxiety and depression and more effective public
health programs for Aboriginal peoples. They will study new ways to protect
crops against disease, develop fabrication techniques to build microscopic
devices, and enhance our knowledge of the effects of the sun upon Earth's
atmosphere and climate.

The total amount includes $7.1 million for the Chairs, as well as $2.3
million for research equipment to be provided by federal and provincial
funding partners.

"These latest chair holders demonstrate the broad range and depth of
research endeavor at the U of S," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "We
welcome these accomplished individuals to our research community."

The new Chair holders, who assume their positions from July 2004 to March
2005, are:

- Sylvia Abonyi -- Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Health

For Canada's Aboriginal peoples, the legacy of colonization has been one of
cultural devastation: loss of language, traditions, identity and pride. One
of the consequences has been much higher rates of chronic diseases like
diabetes, as well as various addictions. Public health programs aimed at
easing these problems are doomed to failure unless the contribution of
culture to health is better understood and taken into account.

Abonyi, joins the U of S College of Medicine from the University of Regina,
will work with partners in the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation
Research Unit and with northern Saskatchewan Aboriginal communities and
organizations to develop a model of population health that includes a better
understanding of the role of culture.

- Sven Achenbach -- Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nano Device
Fabrication

In the world of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanostructures, a
human hair is enormous. Devices with features measured in millionths or even
billionths of a metre open revolutionary possibilities in applications from
medical diagnostics to wireless communications.

Achenbach, joining the U of S College of Engineering from the German
national laboratory Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, will work to develop
synchrotron-based fabrication techniques for these next generation
technologies and strive to implement them at the Canadian Light Source on
the U of S campus.

- Lawrence Brawley - Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity in Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention

Physical inactivity carries a high price, including life-threatening
conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Statistics show that 56 per cent of Canadian adults 20 and older were
inactive in 2000-01, a problem that grows more acute as our country ages.

Brawley joins the U of S College of Kinesiology from the University of
Waterloo. He is interested in how some older adults manage to embrace
physical activity in their daily routines and achieve a better quality of
life, while others struggle to stick with it. Understanding these successful
strategies could help us all remain more healthy and productive throughout
our lives.

- Dean Chapman -- Canada Research Chair in X-ray Imaging

Little has changed in 100 years, when Wilhelm Roentgen placed his wife's
hand on a photographic plate and exposed it to a new source of light -
X-rays - recording the "shadow" of bones and flesh and revolutionizing our
understanding of the inner workings of the body.

Chapman, a professor in the U of S College of Medicine, is using synchrotron
X-rays to power the next revolution in medical imaging, one that promises to
produce exquisitely clear pictures not only of bone, but of soft tissue like
lungs and cartilage in joints - materials extremely difficult to image by
any other means. The techniques open windows that could help doctors
diagnose diseases like cancer and arthritis earlier, allowing more effective
treatment.

- Lisa Kalynchuk -- Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience

Anxiety and depression have a staggering impact on society, affecting one in
five people at some point in their lives from childhood to old age. The
World Health Organization estimates these mental illnesses will be second
only to cardiovascular disease in terms of burden to human health around the
world by 2020.

Kalynchuk joins the U of S College of Arts and Science from Dalhousie
University in Halifax. She will use animal models to study the largely
unknown neurobiological mechanisms that produce depression, anxiety and
panic. Understanding these mechanisms will aid the development of new
drug treatments that work more quickly and have fewer side effects.

- Soledade Pedras -- Canada Research Chair in Bioorganic and Agricultural
Chemistry

Plants and their pests fight a chemical war out in the fields, a dance of
attack and counter-attack between plants' complex immune systems and disease
organisms that produce substances to neutralize the plants' defenses.

Working with canola and mustard models, U of S chemistry professor Soledade
Pedras strives to identify and understand this molecular attack and parry.
This knowledge could form the basis of new, targeted and environmentally
friendly crop protection products.

- Jean-Pierre St.- Maurice -- Canada Research Chair in Environmental
Sciences

High above our heads the auroras dance when a wind of charged particles born
deep in the fires of the sun slams into the Earth's magnetic field. This
space weather affects satellites, power grids, pipelines, and even climate
and weather changes on the ground.

St.-Maurice joins the U of S Dept. of Physics and Engineering Physics from
the University of Western Ontario. He will work to expand our knowledge of
the ionosphere - 100 km to 500 km above the Earth - with a new
high-frequency radar installation at Rankin Inlet in Nunavut. He will also
establish a virtual centre for the causes and effects of climate change to
engage researchers from numerous disciplines across campus.

With the addition of the seven new Chairs, the U of S has now been awarded
nearly $27.6 million to support 26 Chairs, as well as nearly $5.1 million in
related CFI and partner infrastructure funding.

Nationally, an investment of $194 million for 194 new Chairs was announced
today.

"We're proud that the funding announced today will support research by
Canada's leading scholarly and scientific minds," said Prime Minister
Martin. "From health care, to the environment, to building stronger
communities, the work of these Canada Research Chairs will have a direct
impact on the lives of Canadians and help position Canada as a world leader
in the 21st century economy."

For profiles of U of S Chair holders, visit http://www.usask.ca/crc or the
national Canada Research Chairs website at http://www.chairs.gc.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Michael Robin
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/

$500,000 Microstructures Chair to Help Build Synchrotron Research Facility

Posted November 12, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday, November 12, 2004
2004-11-20-OTHER

$500,000 Microstructures Chair to Help Build Synchrotron Research Facility

Sven Achenbach, recruited from Germany to become one of the University of
Saskatchewan's newest Canada Research Chairs, will help develop
synchrotron-based fabrication techniques for microscopic structures for
next-generation technologies and lead efforts to implement them at the
Canadian Light Source.

"Dr. Achenbach is part of a unique initiative to build both knowledge and
infrastructure capacity at the U of S," says President Peter MacKinnon. "His
expertise in micro and nano-scale manufacturing techniques will be extremely
valuable as we develop the nanostructures beamline at the Canadian Light
Source synchrotron."

Achenbach's Chair in Micro and Nano Device Fabrication, announced today by
Prime Minister Paul Martin, is worth $500,000 over the next five years and
comes with $312,500 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and
other funding partners to buy equipment.

Achenbach will join the U of S College of Engineering in March, 2005 from
the Institute for Microstructure Technology, a joint venture of the
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe and University of Karlsruhe in Germany.

In September 2004, the U of S and the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe
Research Centre) signed a memorandum of understanding to foster joint
research and international collaboration in synchrotron-based
micro-fabrication research.

The X-ray lithography beamline, officially known as the Canadian Synchrotron
Nanostructures Facility (CSNF), is essentially a "machine shop" to create
structures with extremely small features - 100 to 1,000 times smaller than
the thickness of a human hair.

"The realization of the CSNF beamline at the Canadian Light Source is an
important development for Canadian research and development," says Dr. Bill
Thomlinson, Executive Director of the Canadian Light Source. "Dr.
Achenbach's experience and know-how is a great addition to our team and is
an example of how the CLS and the U of S are contributing to Canada's 'brain
gain.'"

The CSNF will use the high-power X-rays of the Canadian Light Source to
carve out devices with extremely precise, microscopic features for
applications such as sensors to test bilirubin levels in newborn babies,
distance sensors for manipulators in industry automation and infrared
spectrometers for hydrocarbon identification. A recent survey predicts the
2005 world market for microsystems will approach CDN $82 billion.

"Sven's Canada Research Chair is tremendously important to the CSNF
project," says team leader David Klymyshyn, currently in Germany as part of
his ongoing research collaboration with Achenbach. "His talents and
experience will be extremely valuable as we build this unique Canadian
facility."

Klymyshyn is a U of S associate professor of electrical engineering and a
research scientist at TRLabs, a main institutional participant in the CSNF
project as it continues to gain momentum.

On October 21, Western Economic Diversification and the provincial
government pledged $1.5 million each to build the line. U.S. aerospace
company Rockwell Collins contributed $315,000, while home-grown
telecommunications company VCom has invested $105,000. In-kind contributions
include the CLS ($767,000), the National Research Council (NRC, $495,000)
and TRLabs ($400,000).

Construction work on the CSNF is expected to begin in 2005 with the facility
coming into operation in 2007. It is expected to draw users nationally and
internationally, and complement other efforts such as the NRC National
Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

For profiles of U of S Chair holders, visit http://www.usask.ca/crc or the
national Canada Research Chairs Web site at http://www.chairs.gc.ca.
Information on the CSNF will be available at http://www.lightsource.ca/nano
as the project develops.

Note to Editors: A publication-quality photo of Achenbach is available by
calling (306) 966-2427 or via e-mail to michael.robin@usask.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

David Milne
Director of Saskatchewan Operations
TRLabs (Saskatoon)
(306) 668-9301
milne@sask.trlabs.ca

Sven Achenbach
Institute for Microstructure Technology
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe, Germany
49.724.782-3859
Sven.Achenbach@imt.fzk.de

Michael Robin
Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research

Matthew Dalzell
Communications Coordinator
Canadian Light Source Inc.
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 657-3739
matthew.dalzell@lightsource.ca
www.lightsource.ca

November 09, 2004

U of S Awarded More Than $2.4 Million for Health Research

Posted November 09, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, November 9, 2004           2004-11-16-OTHER

U of S Awarded More Than $2.4 Million for Health Research

Six University of Saskatchewan health researchers will receive a total of $2.45 million for projects that include studies of breast cancer treatment, insulin resistance, and health-promoting compounds found in fruits and vegetables.

The funding, awarded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), was announced today by federal Finance Minister and Wascana MP Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh and CIHR President Alan Bernstein.

"Research and innovation drive the engine of discovery," said Minister Goodale. "That is why the Government of Canada funding for health research in Saskatchewan is growing. We want the important work taking place at our two universities to remain at the leading edge of science. We should all be proud of the work that is taking place in Saskatchewan."

In congratulating the grant recipients, U of S Vice-President Research Steven Franklin said, "This new funding represents a major federal investment in health research at the U of S that will benefit the health of Canadians, while providing research training for graduate and undergraduate students."

The studies will be carried out over the next five years and cover a wide spectrum of health research. The grant recipients are:

  • Brian Bandy will examine the nutritional role of flavanoids (a class of natural compounds found in fruit and vegetables) in preventing oxidative stress caused by vitamin C.
  • Roanne Thomas-MacLean, whose research is co-funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, is looking into the social impacts of arm problems resulting from breast cancer treatment.

  • Lingyun (Lily) Wu will examine the mechanisms of insulin resistance.

  • Graham George will study the molecular basis of mercury toxicity

  • Thomas Haas will probe the structure of a specific cancer cell protein in order to develop new drug therapies.

  • Darrell Mousseau is studying immunization against a growth factor protein as a method of preventing and treating Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Two of the researchers - George and Haas - will use the Canadian Light Source synchrotron (www.lightsource.ca), located at the University of Saskatchewan, in their work.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (www.cihr.ca) is the federal government's major funding agency for health research.

"Advancements in health research benefit all Canadians and provide a stimulus for innovation," said Dr. Bernstein. "We are proud to support health research that is leading to improvements in the lives of Canadians and of people around the world."

Research project backgrounders are available below.

For more information, contact:

Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research

Janet Weichel
CIHR Communications
(613) 941-4563
jweichel@cihr.ca

Backgrounder on Grant Recipients
University of Saskatchewan

Brian Bandy
U of S College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
Vitamin C is generally an antioxidant, which is good. Antioxidants pair up with free radicals in the body and eliminate their destructive properties. But vitamin C can also sometimes display pro-oxidant activities in humans. That's not so good, because it can place oxidative stress on the body, and that has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease and plays a role in aging. Flavanoids, a class of natural compounds found in fruit and vegetables, can work cooperatively with vitamin C to provide antioxidant activities.
* Brian Bandy is examining whether they can also help to prevent the pro-oxidative activities of vitamin C. By testing animals fed a diet lacking in flavanoids, as well as testing, in isolation, part of the cell called the mitochondria, Dr. Bandy and his colleagues will find which flavanoids provide the best protection against the pro-oxidant activities of vitamin C.

Roanne Thomas-MacLean
U of S Department of Sociology
Anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent of breast cancer survivors will experience pain, swelling and limited range of motion in their arms as a result of their treatment. Little is known about how these problems affect paid and unpaid labour, intimacy and child care, or whether they are related to other illnesses. Equally little is known about how health-care professionals should address arm problems.
* Roanne Thomas-MacLean is following 1,000 women over three years to learn how many have arm problems, the symptoms they experience, what triggers arm problems, the extent to which they are disabling and their impact on women's emotional health. Her work, which is co-funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, will help breast cancer survivors and health-care providers better understand, treat and, possibly, avoid arm problems.

Lingyun (Lily) Wu
U of S Department of Pharmacology
Insulin resistance - when the body doesn't respond as it should to insulin - is implicated in obesity, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Little is known, however, about the causes and mechanisms of this resistance. Increased levels of a highly reactive metabolite of sugar called methylglyoxal (MG) are found in many insulin-resistant conditions, including diabetes and hypertension.
* Lily Wu is examining linkages between MG and insulin resistance to see whether it modifies insulin molecules, damaging their normal function and causing insulin resistance. Her work could lead to the discovery of new ways to manage and prevent insulin-resistant conditions.

Graham George
Canada Research Chair in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
U of S Department of Geological Sciences
In our normal everyday lives, we are exposed to an incredibly complex chemical soup. Many of these compounds contain metal atoms which, once inside us, can either fulfill roles that are essential to health or act as poisons, sometimes with deadly consequences.
* Specifically, Graham George will study mercury, a toxic metal that is a health concern in Canada and worldwide. Exposure sources are numerous, and include methylmercury compounds in predatory marine fish and "silver" fillings in teeth. Mercury compounds (such as methyl mercury) are severely neurotoxic in that they can damage the human nervous system, but the mechanism of neurotoxicity remains largely unknown.
* George will use the new Canadian Light Source synchrotron to study mercury's molecular form, how it is modified in foods and in tissues, and how it interacts with other elements such as selenium. This will eventually allow the use of advanced techniques to design highly specific drugs - called custom chelators - that could be capable of specifically binding and removing mercury from tissues.

Thomas Haas
Canada Research Chair in Life Sciences
U of S Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Cancers use a cell surface protein called integrin alpha-V beta-3 to stimulate production of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to provide the nutrients necessary for tumours to survive and grow. This integrin is a target for anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic therapy in cancers such as breast, colon and prostate.
* Thomas Haas' laboratory has discovered a new class of drugs that can block the activity of the integrin. He will use the Canadian Light Source to determine the structure of this integrin and identify atoms that are critical to its function in order to further develop this new class of drugs. Other proteins within cancer cells that interact with the integrin will be identified using equipment at the Saskatchewan Structural Science Centre and NRC-Plant Biotechnology Institute. These proteins will also be assessed as candidate drug targets.

Darrell Mousseau
U of S Department of Psychiatry
Alzheimer's Disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy are two major causes of dementia. Our aging population means therapies are desperately needed to prevent and cure these diseases. In both, a chemical compound called beta amyloid peptide builds up in the brain.
* Darrell Mousseau's research shows that another naturally occurring compound, cytokine transforming growth factor beta, can greatly increase the buildup of the peptide. He has developed an antibody that blocks the effects of the growth factor on the peptide and reduces the harmful effect of the peptide in cell cultures. Now he is looking at using his antibody to develop a possible immunization therapy for these diseases.


November 08, 2004

U of S ranked 10th in Maclean's rankings

Posted November 08, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 8, 2004 2004-11-15-OTHER

U of S ranked 10th in Maclean's rankings

The University of Saskatchewan was ranked 10th out of 15 in the Maclean's
university survey released today.

The U of S was ranked higher than the universities of Calgary, Laval,
Ottawa, Dalhousie and Manitoba in the medical-doctoral category*. It lost
out to McMaster which bumped the U of S from 9th place last year to its
current position.

The University improved its performance in several categories in the
Maclean's survey including student retention rates, library acquisitions,
social science and humanities research grants, and its reputation across the
country. Slight movement in the rankings is expected from year-to-year as
the difference between the top and bottom scores in minimal.

"Regardless of the outcomes of the Maclean's rankings, we will continue to
measure the University of Saskatchewan's successes by our own criteria
rather than those set by Maclean's," said University President Peter
MacKinnon. "We are dedicated to ensuring that the U of S is competitive in
areas that make sense for this University and for this Province."

MacKinnon went on to say that the major institutional objectives for the
University are a commitment to academic pre-eminence in areas of strength
such as synchrotron science, bio-medical research and agricultural
biotechnology, exceeding international standard in all activities, and
staying true to our sense of place by excelling in policy, trade and
business issues vital to Saskatchewan, Canada and the world.

The rankings are available on the web at www.macleans.ca.

-30-

* Universities that have a broad range of Ph.D. programs and research, as
well as medical schools.


For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6612

November 05, 2004

U of S Home to New $2-M Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture

Posted November 05, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday, November 5, 2004 2004-11-13-OTHER

U of S Home to New $2-M Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture

A new $2-million national network devoted to agriculture-related health and
safety research will be headquartered at the University of Saskatchewan.

The Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA) will
receive $2 million in operating and equipment funding over the next six
years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Federal
Finance Minister and Wascana MP Ralph Goodale has announced.

The centre will address health and safety issues for farm families and rural
workers that result from inhalation exposures, food and water contamination,
and adverse working conditions, says Dr. James Dosman, director of the U of
S Institute of Agricultural, Rural and Environmental Health, who will lead
the new centre.

"This centre will address critical issues of health and safety related to
what farm families and workers eat, drink, breathe, as well as how they live
and work," says Dosman.

Operating as a "virtual" centre with 57 researchers in 26 institutions
across Canada, the CCHSA will provide researchers with support to promote
collaborative research relationships between agricultural producers and
health professionals.

The centre is also supported by L'institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé
en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), a private,
non-profit research organization in Quebec.

"I am pleased that the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture
will be established in the province of Saskatchewan, and will bring
researchers and decision-makers together in an effort to build our knowledge
regarding health and safety in the agriculture industry," says Goodale.

"Our province and research institutions have much to offer in this important
area and I trust that we will be able to support the development of better
policies, programs and practices."

Steven Franklin, U of S Vice-President Research, said the new centre will
strengthen the university's position as a leading centre for a broad range
of life sciences research that benefits both humans and animals.

The new centre is one of seven new health research centres launched this
week across Canada. "The effects of physical and social environments on
human health are not always optimal and sometimes poorly understood," said
CIHR President Dr. Alan Bernstein. "Through the active engagement of policy
makers and community and industry leaders, the seven centres will build
research capacity to better understand and address the impacts of programs
and policies that help to improve the quality of these environments."

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the major federal agency
responsible for funding health research in Canada. For more information,
visit: www.cihr.ca

- 30 -

For more information, contact:

Dale Worobec
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1474
dale.worobec@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research

Janet Weichel
CIHR Communications
(613) 941-4563
jweichel@cihr.ca

Dr. James Dosman
Chair, Management Committee
Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA)
Director, Institute of Agricultural, Rural and Environmental Health
(I.ARE.H)
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8286
james.dosman@usask.ca

November 04, 2004

U of S College of Medicine announces major donation from Regina company

Posted November 04, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 4, 2004 2004-11-09-ME

U of S College of Medicine announces major donation from Regina company

The University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine is pleased to announce a
donation of $250,000 over five years from the Regina Curling Classic for
Parkinson Research.

The money will be used to support the research of U of S Professor Alex
Rajput, winner of the Parkinson Society of Canada New Investigator Award for
2004-2005.

The Regina Curling Classic for Parkinson Research was formed 11 years ago
and has since donated all its proceeds to Parkinson's research. The company
has now decided to channel all future donations through the College of
Medicine to help the leading-edge research of this young faculty member.

Harry Duke representative of Regina Curling Classic for Parkinson Research
said: "It is beneficial for the people of this province to retain the best
and brightest faculty and researchers. Hopefully, our donation will
encourage this particular researcher to continue his career in
Saskatchewan."

U of S President Peter MacKinnon said, "This generous commitment is an
acknowledgement that the people of Saskatchewan, regardless of where they
are located, recognize the benefits of the University's College of Medicine
and want to see it succeed in its mission of research, education and patient
care."

Dr. Alex Rajput is a qualified neurologist, expert in Parkinson's disease,
who treats patients, teaches and conducts research. He is working in
several research areas including developing genetic testing to identify
those at risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The aim is to promote early
detection and treatment for these patients.

- 30 -

For more information please contact:

Dr. Alex Rajput
Department of Neurology
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8007

Dr. Jim Thornhill
Associate Dean of Medicine Research
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4338

U of S launches $100 million fundraising campaign - kick-off includes $10 million from campaign leaders

Posted November 04, 2004

November 4, 2004 2004-11-12-OTHER

U of S launches $100 million fundraising campaign -
kick-off includes $10 million from campaign leaders

Today the University of Saskatchewan officially launched its $100 million
fundraising campaign - the largest-ever in the University's history - at a
special ceremony on campus. Simultaneous launch events were also held in
Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and New York.

Over $57 million of the total has already been raised through donations from
alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University. The money will go
towards scholarships and student services ($40m); faculty research chairs
($18m); research facilities including the library ($14m); and building
projects including the College Building ($28m).

Heather Magotiaux, Vice-President, University Advancement said "This
campaign is not only about raising money. It is about raising awareness
about the great potential of the University of Saskatchewan among alumni,
business leaders and decision-makers across Saskatchewan and Canada. Today's
launch reflects the national nature of this campaign. Through its alumni,
its research and its outreach programs, the influence of the U of S can be
felt across this country and indeed around the world."

Major donations were also announced during the launch event. Bill Doyle,
Chair of the Saskatchewan Campaign Committee, and President and CEO of
PotashCorp, announced a $5 million donation from PotashCorp to the campaign.
He said: "Our company has been successful on a global scale with the support
and effort of employees and business partners who gained their education in
business, law, engineering, soil science and other disciplines at the U of
S. This campaign is an important step toward the further development of
people and opportunities in Saskatchewan. That is why I have personally
committed to lead the fundraising team and why our company is continuing its
tradition of support for the University of Saskatchewan."

Other gift announcements included $3 million from Cameco Corp, $1million
from alumnus and Campaign Advisor Dr. Barrie Wigmore and his wife Deedee of
New York, and $750,000 from Calgary-based Nexen Inc.

"This campaign is about a new attitude, a new spirit of confidence for the
University of Saskatchewan," said University President Peter MacKinnon.
"Our goal is to receive $100 million in purely philanthropic gifts. That
total does not include the support of governments or funding agencies such
as NSERC or CFI. These are gifts from corporations, individuals and
foundations who believe in the University of Saskatchewan and its vision of
providing a world-class education to its students as it continues to serve
the needs of this province."

For more information on the campaign or to make a donation, go to:
www.usask.ca/campaign or call (306) 966-5186.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6620

Heather Magotiaux
Vice-President University Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5176

Susan Burton
Campaign Communications Officer
University Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1851

November 02, 2004

City of Saskatoon Invests $250,000 in U of S Vaccine Research Centre

Posted November 02, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Nov. 2, 2004 2004-11-08-VIDO

City of Saskatoon Invests $250,000 in U of S Vaccine Research Centre

The $62-million International Vaccine Centre, to be built on the University
of Saskatchewan campus by 2009, has a new funding partner.

At its Nov. 1 meeting, City Council agreed to provide $250,000 over five
years to the new research centre which will be one of the largest vaccine
research laboratories in North America.

The U of S-owned facility, a multi-institutional collaboration that includes
the university's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), the
College of Medicine, and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, will
conduct research aimed at protecting human and animal health from the threat
of emerging diseases including SARS, avian influenza ("bird flu"), and West
Nile virus. It will be the only facility of its kind in Western Canada.

Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison said that the City's involvement follows the
model for the very successful Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron
project.

"The Centre represents a unique opportunity to strengthen Saskatoon's
position as a centre of excellence in life science research and
application," Atchison said. "The investment will mean enhanced employment
and economic development opportunities, and provides further evidence to
investors from around the world that Saskatoon is the city of the future."

U of S Vice-President of Research Steven Franklin welcomed the City's
contribution, noting the new, state-of-the-art laboratories will help the U
of S to stay competitive as a modern health research centre.

"This project will greatly advance health, veterinary and life sciences
research and help retain and attract high-calibre medical researchers and
students to the campus," he said, noting that at least 29 new, highly
skilled jobs will be created.

"It is a critically important addition to the outstanding life sciences
cluster on our campus which includes one of the world's three biomedical
imaging beamlines (to be built at the CLS), a renowned biotechnology
community that represents 30 per cent of Canada's ag-biotechnology industry,
a full range of health science colleges, and a wide array of bioprocessing
and analytical services."

Last March, the project was awarded $19.2 million by the Canada Foundation
for Innovation, the largest CFI award in animal and human vaccine research.
In addition, the U of S has contributed $300,000 to date to cover
preliminary design and other initial project support costs. Other sources of
public and private funding are currently being sought.

Internationally, diseases are classified at different levels on a scale of 1
to 4, depending on the seriousness of the infection. The highly secure new
facility will enable researchers to respond to "biosafety Level 3" diseases
which include tuberculosis and hepatitis C. It will be the province's first
Level 3 facility dealing with both human and animal diseases.

"This state-of-the-art facility will save lives and strengthen Canada's
leadership in infectious diseases research, prevention and emergency
response," said VIDO Director Lorne Babiuk, a U of S Canada Research Chair
in Vaccinology and Biotechnology. "It will serve the Canadian bio-science R
and D community and also link strongly with leading national and
international commercialization programs."

Members of the public who have questions about the new facility can phone
(306) 966-1525, or send an e-mail to intervac@vido.org. Responses will be
provided within three business days. Additional information and an artist's
rendition of the new facility is available at:
http://www.usask.ca/research/intervac.shtml

-30-

For more information, contact:

Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca

Tess Laidlaw
Communications Officer
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization
Phone: (306) 966-1506
Fax: (306) 966-7478
www.vido.org

Chris Dekker
Communications Manager
City of Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 975-3207