May 26, 2010
University of Saskatchewan Partners with CHEP for Infant Nutrition Study
Posted May 26, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 26, 2010
2010-05-14-PH
A team of U of S nutrition and dietetic researchers have found that a lack of support, access and affordability create barrier to infant food security for low-income families in Saskatoon. The results of the team’s study will be published in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research this summer.
The study, a collaborative effort between the U of S and CHEP Good Food Inc., is entitled “Infant Nutrition in Saskatoon: Barriers to Infant Food Security” and sought to review the accessibility to infant nourishment and determine effective nutrition programs. Funded in part by Saskatchewan Social Services, the study suggests that infant nutrition and food security should be improved by expanding education and programming opportunities, increasing breastfeeding support and identifying acceptable ways to provide emergency formula.
Since the study was completed, a number of recommendations have been implemented, such as the collaboration of hospital nurses, community groups like CHEP and nutritionists. Efforts include working to increase breastfeeding support for new moms in hospital, increase infant formula supports, provide access of vitamin D drops for babies and good food for families.
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For more information, contact:
Heather Dawson, Advancement Officer
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2502
Cell: (306) 221-0129
Email: heather.dawson@usask.ca
May 20, 2010
New U of S-U of R Research Partnership to Seek Clean Energy Solutions
Posted May 20, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 20, 2010
The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan have signed a memorandum of understanding to create the Saskatchewan Energy Innovation Alliance (SEIA), a project-driven, interdisciplinary partnership that will establish a network of partners involved in clean energy solutions to meet energy demands in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan have signed a memorandum of understanding to create the Saskatchewan Energy Innovation Alliance (SEIA), a project-driven, interdisciplinary partnership that will establish a network of partners involved in clean energy solutions to meet energy demands in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
SEIA will foster innovation in meeting Saskatchewan’s current and future energy needs. It will develop strong key partnerships both within and outside of the province that will establish the necessary expertise in clean energy production.
“Addressing the need for clean and renewable energy is an important area of University of Saskatchewan research,” said University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon. “Interdisciplinary teams are working on critical energy topics such as coal and biomass gasification, the energy-water interface, and land-use strategies for future energy resource development. By establishing strategic partnerships with government, industry and academic institutions, Saskatchewan can achieve national prominence as an energy centre of excellence and seize opportunities that would not otherwise be available.”
Building on the universities’ existing areas of strength, SEIA will initially focus on advancements in carbon capture and storage and in gasification, adding value to the province’s coal and oil sands resources while meeting future greenhouse gas targets.
“This alliance is a natural fit with the University of Regina’s commitment to research and development in environmentally sustainable energy production,” said University of Regina President Vianne Timmons. “We are contributing to the education of the next generation of leaders in energy technologies and policy development.”
In the near term, SEIA’s areas of focus include preparation of a consolidated report on power generation options for Saskatchewan, research on the bio-refinery value-added concept (from energy crops to renewable fuels), public engagement with emphasis on informing public debate on Saskatchewan’s energy options, and First Nations engagement in energy-oriented programs.
As a key part of its long-term strategy, SEIA will build and maintain strategic collaborations with other energy consortia in Canada and internationally, and bring a strong Western voice to the development of national energy policy.
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For more information, please contact:
Elsa Johnston
University of Regina
(306) 337-3291
elsa.johnston@uregina.ca
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
Todd Pugsley
Special Advisor on Energy
U of S Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-4761
todd.pugsley@usask.ca
May 19, 2010
VIDO-InterVac at U of S Signs Exclusive License Agreement for Developing a Vaccine Against Chronic Wasting Disease
Posted May 19, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 19, 2010
2010-05-13-VIDO
SASKATOON - The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) at the University of Saskatchewan announced today the signing of an exclusive license agreement with Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise Inc. (PREVENT) for a vaccine targeting Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD is a progressive, fatal and incurable prion disease known to infect deer and elk and has spread significantly within these populations in Canada and the United States. Further transmission within captive and wild herds, and to other species such as moose and caribou, would have serious economic impacts on alternative livestock, game farm and hunting industries, and on the diets of many Canadians, particularly in Northern and aboriginal communities, emphasizing the potential social impact CWD may have.
“This is another example of groundbreaking collaborative research being conducted at VIDO-InterVac. A successful vaccine for CWD will result in social and economic benefits for Saskatchewan, Canada and other countries challenged by this disease,” said Karen Chad, vice-president research for the University of Saskatchewan.
Andrew Potter, CEO and director of VIDO-InterVac, concurs. “Further spread of CWD can potentially devastate industries and rural populations that rely on these species. The containment level 3 facilities in our new International Vaccine Centre set to open in late 2010 will enable further work on this vaccine and others for a number of related diseases of humans and animals.”
The University of British Columbia, PrioNet and the University of Toronto are also stakeholders in the licensed patents. During the commercialization process, PREVENT may utilize PrioNet Canada’s specialized facilities at the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.
The project will initially target development of an injectable vaccine for use in farmed elk and deer in Canada. Subsequent expansion into other countries is anticipated as well as development of an oral vaccine for use in wild populations as a second generation product.
About VIDO-InterVac: Created in 1975, VIDO-InterVac has Containment Level 2 and 3 facilities that include virology, immunology, bacteriology and biochemistry labs and a 160 acre research station. A research organization of the University of Saskatchewan with operating support from provincial and federal governments as well as industry grants, VIDO-InterVac holds 80+ U.S. patents and has developed technology for eight commercial vaccines.
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For more information or to arrange an interview with Andrew Potter, please contact:
Shirley Toms, Corporate Communication Manager
VIDO-InterVac
306-966-7483
shirley.toms@usask.ca
www.vido.org
U of S Eco-toxicologist Honored with Award of Innovation
Posted May 19, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 19, 2010
2010-05-12-OTHER
John Giesy, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), has been awarded the 2010 Innovation Place-U of S Industry Liaison Office Award of Innovation for developing a new chemical toxin screening test that is being developed as a worldwide standard and has strong commercial potential.
The award, which honours U of S researchers who have developed new and commercially viable technology, was announced at the Celebrate Success Business Awards Gala in Saskatoon May 18th.
“The technology Prof. Giesy has developed has great potential for commercial success and for improving human health,” said Industry Liaison Office Managing Director Glen Schuler.
Giesy studies chemical toxins in the environment which can mimic hormones such as estrogen and cause birth defects and other health problems. His team, which includes U of S researchers Markus Hecker and Xiaowei Zhang, has developed the H295R Steroidogenesis Assay which enables regulators to test whether chemical compounds have the potential to disrupt the human endocrine system (for example estradiol or testosterone hormone levels). It’s a cost-effective, rapid test that screens for these so-called hormone disruptors without using animals.
The assay which was developed with financial support from Western Economic Diversification Canada, has been approved for use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation. American and European agencies are interested in using it to test wastewater effluent for hormone disruptors. The U of S recently set up a wholly-owned subsidiary to market the test worldwide. Innovation Place Vice-President Corporate Relations Austin Beggs said it was difficult to choose a winner this year, as all of the nominations were so impressive.
“Each of the nominees this year was superior in terms of bringing novel products and processes to the marketplace,” he said. “Many of the ideas coming out of the U of S do indeed go on to become enterprises at Innovation Place and we’re proud to celebrate these individuals and their success.”
Two other U of S researchers were nominated for the Award of Innovation:
- Rajendra Sharma, Pathology professor and scientist at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre co-identified with Dr. Anuraag Shrivastav, a marker in the blood that indicates the presence of colorectal cancer.
- Vladimir Vujanovic, associate professor of food and bioproduct sciences and Agri-Food Innovation Fund Chair in Agricultural Microbiology and Bioproducts, discovered a new species of fungus found in wheat, barley and other prairie crops that can control outbreaks of the harmful Fusarium fungus species found in soil and plants.
The annual Award of Innovation is open to U of S employees and students. Selection criteria include the novelty of the innovation and its potential commercial impact. The selection committee includes representatives from both Innovation Place and the U of S.
Innovation Place (www.innovationplace.com) is one of North America's most successful university-related research parks. The ILO (http://www.usask.ca/research/ilo) works with inventors to help commercialize innovations developed at the U of S.
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For more information, contact:
Glen Schuler
Managing Director
U of S Industry Liaison Office
(306) 966-4584
glen.schuler@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research/ilo
Austin Beggs
Vice President, Corporate Relations
Innovation Place
(306) 933-7464
austin@innovationplace.com
www.innovationplace.com/
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
May 17, 2010
University of Saskatchewan to award honorary degrees at convocation
Posted May 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 17, 2010
2010-05-11-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will honour a legendary hockey player, an entrepreneurial nuclear physicist, a trail-blazing journalist and a dedicated archivist at spring convocation ceremonies June 1, 2 and 3.
The recipients are:
- Gordie Howe – Known internationally as Mr. Hockey, Howe played more National Hockey League games than any other player and is consistently recognized as one of the best ever to play the game. His philanthropic activities include the establishment of the Howe Foundation, which raises money for fees and equipment so children across North America can play hockey. Howe will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws June 3 (9 a.m.).
- Dennis Skopik – As a professor and scientist at the U of S, Professor Skopik provided leadership to the project that led to construction of the Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron at the U of S. Now the deputy associate director for the physics division at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator facility in Virginia, he has made major contributions to the science of nuclear physics. Skopik will receive an honorary Doctor of Science June 2 (9 a.m.).
- Margaret (Kesslering) Weiers – After graduating with her BA in English from the U of S at the age of 20, Weiers never looked back. She went on to a 40-year career in journalism, writing on a variety of topics, and spent time as a Foreign Service officer with the Department of External Affairs. She helped open doors for other women as the result of her determination. Weiers will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters June 1 (2 p.m.).
- Ian E. Wilson – Over a 40-year career, Wilson has worked tirelessly to make archives accessible and interesting to a variety of audiences. Before becoming the first librarian and archivist of Canada, Wilson held the position of Saskatchewan’s provincial archivist and chairman of the Saskatchewan Heritage Advisory Board. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters June 1 (9 a.m.).
For more information about the ceremonies, visit http://students.usask.ca/academic/convocation/
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson, University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1851
Email: m.ferguson@usask.ca
U of S Awarded $30-M Canada Excellence Research Chair to Create Global Water Security Institute
Posted May 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 17, 2010
2010-05-10-OTHER
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded $10 million over seven years from the federal government and a matching $10 million from the Saskatchewan government to establish a prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Water Security and a world-leading research and training institute focused on solving critical challenges for domestic and global water security.
The partnership investment also includes a $10-million commitment from the U of S to be met with the help of its friends and supporters, as well as in-kind contributions from both Environment Canada and the Saskatchewan Research Council. The U of S is one of only 13 universities in the country to be awarded a CERC through a highly competitive selection process that aims to attract world experts to Canada.
The U of S CERC recruit is British scientist Howard Wheater, one of the world’s foremost experts in hydrology and sustainable freshwater resource management, who will lead the new water security institute. A total of 85 new positions will be created at the institute including six faculty, 20 post-doctoral fellows, 24 PhDs, 24 master’s students, and 10 support staff.
“Thanks to this unique partnership investment, Prof. Wheater’s stellar international reputation, and our unparalleled combination of water-related expertise and facilities, we will establish a pre-eminent institute for water security research—addressing both water quality and quantity issues—with potential to transform how the world uses and manages water,” said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting world-class research,” said Saskatoon-Humboldt MP Brad Trost. “The CERC program helps to position Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. The cutting-edge research conducted by these global leaders will spur innovation in Saskatchewan and contribute positively to Canada’s competitiveness and future prosperity.”
“This is an unparalleled opportunity for Saskatchewan and Canada to make a leading contribution to the science of water security, thereby helping local, national and global communities,” said Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris. “It also directly contributes to our government’s vision of a more diversified, knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.”
The new water security institute will be co-located with Environment Canada’s National Water Research Centre at Innovation Place, providing opportunities for collaborative research and training.
Wheater, who will assume the CERC position in October, has extensive international experience in advising on water management issues, is vice-chair of the World Climate Research Programme’s GEWEX initiative, and leads UNESCO’s arid zone water resources program. He will assume a full-time position in the new U of S School of Environment and Sustainability.
He will lead development of a new science—ecotoxicohydrology—that will improve water use and management, advance water policy, and provide new tools for environmental risk assessment and remediation applicable to all types of natural resource development.
“By bringing together ecology, toxicology and hydrology, we will develop a new science and the risk assessment tools needed to understand and manage the complex interactions between water, land use and climate change,” said Wheater. “Through our new global water institute, we will train the next generation of water scientists to better ensure a secure future for the world’s water supplies.”
U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad noted the CERC will build upon a unique breadth of existing water-related expertise among more than 65 faculty researchers across campus, including five Canada Research Chairs, and will create unprecedented learning and training opportunities for U of S students and researchers.
“This prestigious new chair will advance one of our leading areas of research and help place the U of S among the most distinguished universities in Canada and among the very best in the world,” she said.
The federal CERC program was created to strengthen Canada's ability to be at the leading edge of breakthroughs in priority research areas expected to generate social and economic benefits for Canadians.
For more information about the U of S water research group, visit: www.usask.ca/water
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
Herman Hulshof
Director, Marketing and Communications
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
(306) 787-9715
herman.hulshof@gov.sk.ca
Taylor Paxton
Media Relations
Canada Excellence Research Chairs
(613) 944-1758
Cell: (613)-286-0012
taylor.paxton@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
May 12, 2010
University of Saskatchewan Releases 2010-11 Budget and Capital Plan
Posted May 12, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 12, 2010
2010-05-05-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) released details of its 2010-11 operating budget today.
On May 11, the university’s Board of Governors approved an operating budget with expenditures of just over $388 million for 2010-11. Although the second half of a permanent $10 million operating budget reduction announced last spring is proceeding as planned, no further campus-wide adjustments are expected.
“The 2010-11 budget is prudent in our use of resources, and we continue to invest in our priority areas, such as the student experience,” said Brett Fairbairn, provost and vice-president academic. “For example, the growth of our Learning Communities program will create a better first-year experience for students coming to the U of S, and more opportunities for students to gain experience in their chosen field by working in the community.”
The Board of Governors also approved the annual capital plan for 2010-11, which is part of a multi-year capital framework. The expansion and renovations of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and to the Place Riel Student Centre are both scheduled for completion within the next year.
Richard Florizone, vice-president finance and resources, said the planning process undertaken by the university, as well as a proactive approach to budget adjustments, have helped the university keep its budget balanced.
“Through the continued support of post-secondary education from the provincial government, the relative recovery of some of our key areas of financial concern and our ongoing commitment to be resourceful in the use of our funds, we were able to balance the budget while still continuing to invest in the growth and success of the institution,” Florizone said. “The U of S believes innovation in our teaching and learning, research, scholarly and artistic work is crucial not only to the success of our students and our success as a university, but also the success of the province.”
To download summaries of the budget and the capital plan, visit www.usask.ca/vpacademic or www.usask.ca/vpfr.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1851
Email: m.ferguson@usask.ca
May 07, 2010
Canadian Pharmacists Association Honours U of S Faculty
Posted May 07, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 7, 2010
2010-05-04-PH
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) has named Derek Jorgenson, assistant professor with the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, as the 2010 Canadian Pharmacist of the Year. The CPhA has also named Dennis Gorecki, professor and former dean of the college, as an Honorary Life Member.
Jorgenson will receive his award at the annual CPhA conference in Calgary May 15. This award recognizes a pharmacist who demonstrates leadership and exemplifies the evolution of the pharmacist profession toward an expanded role in health care.
Jorgenson joined the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition in 2008 and has been an advocate for pharmacists within the primary health care model in Saskatchewan and Canada. His engagement with students through teaching and clinical experiences, his knowledge of the profession and other health care professions, and his involvement with programs such as SWITCH, a student-run clinic operated in conjunction with health professionals and community partners, have all contributed to Jorgenson’s nomination for the award.
“This is a great honour for Dr. Jorgenson and highlights the successful appointments that can be created between the Colleges of Pharmacy and Nutrition and Medicine and indeed, with other academic units in the university to emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient-centred health care in the province,” said David Hill, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. “Even at this relatively early stage in his academic and practice career, he is highly respected as a leader of practice change within the field of pharmacy. I see this award as a great opportunity for Dr. Jorgenson, the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, and the University of Saskatchewan.”
Dennis Gorecki has been a faculty member with pharmacy and nutrition since 1975, after completing his BSc and PhD with the college. He served as dean from 1998 to 2003 and 2005 to 2009. He has been involved with the pharmacy profession and the CPhA since he became a faculty member at the U of S.
For more information on the awards, go to: www.pharmacists.ca/conference.
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For more information, contact:
Heather Dawson, Advancement Officer
College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2502
Cell: (306) 221-0129
Email: heather.dawson@usask.ca
U of S Learning Community Student Grades 10% Higher
Posted May 07, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 7, 2010
2010-05-02-OTHER
A recent study revealed that U of S students involved in Learning Communities—a U of S program to help first-year students make the transition into university life—achieved grades that were on average 10 per cent higher than non-Learning Community students.
“It is an encouraging result for the program and the students,” said Natalie Kallio, Learning Communities program co-ordinator. “Learning Communities make students’ transition, both academic and social, less daunting. What really stands out is how student success is directly related to their level of involvement in Learning Communities.”
In the fall of 2009, 333 students registered in 11 Learning Communities. Those students, who were active members in their communities and attended six or more Learning Community meetings, earned grades in first term courses that were 10 per cent higher than non-Learning Community first-year students. While some of this effect is accounted for by student self-selection, membership in Learning Communities appears to positively affect academic achievement.
Each community begins with 30 - 40 first-year students who enrol in the same set of two or three classes and take part in community-specific activities, such as a weekly meeting led by senior student mentors. Learning Communities are offered in the Colleges of Arts and Science, Agriculture and Bioresources, and Kinesiology.
“Because each community is set up to meet degree and program requirements, students find peers with common interests and academic goals to support and positively challenge them. There are many Learning Community options and this brings in a diverse group of students,” said Kallio. “The support offered by peers, mentors, teachers, alumni and other staff or faculty involved in this project makes a huge difference for our students, beyond grades and retention rates.”
Amanda Federink, just finishing her first year in the College of Arts and Science, signed up for a Learning Community after talking to an academic advisor. “I took a year off after high school and my advisor suggested that Learning Communities would be a good way to get into the rhythm of school and university life,” said Federink. “It was so worth it. It helped with study habits, exam writing and even career advice, but also how to relax and manage stress and time.”
For Federink it was more than an academic group. “You meet people that are in the same classes as you. Seeing familiar faces helps school become a comfortable environment,” said Federink. “University is hard work, but I think Learning Communities made it easier for me.”
As a result of this success, the number of communities being offered this fall will increase to 17, with space for up to 660 students, giving first-year students even more options in 2010-11. Registration for the September Learning Communities opened on May 3rd. For more about Learning Communities, visit www.usask.ca/ulc/lc.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Kris Foster
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-1806 or 306-966-5905
Email: kris.foster@usask.ca
Natalie Kallio
Learning Communities Program Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-7771
Email: natalie.kallio@usask.ca
