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Eight Canadian University Researchers Win Prestigious National
Science and Engineering Prizes
Ottawa, February 17, 1997 – Dr. Jon Gerrard, Secretary
of State (Science, Research and Development) and Dr. Thomas A. Brzustowski,
President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
Canada (NSERC), today announced the 1997 recipients of NSERC's E.W.R.
Steacie Memorial Fellowships and Doctoral prizes.
"Scientific research and innovation are key to Canada's ability to
compete in the new economy," said Dr. Gerrard. "Individuals who make
outstanding contributions to science and engineering play an integral
role in ensuring a strong economic future for all Canadians."
In praising the recipients of the Steacie Fellowships, Dr. Brzustowski
noted that their accomplishments should inspire young Canadians in the
field of science and engineering to strive for excellence. The awards
recognize the outstanding contributions of university researchers who,
at a relatively early stage of their careers, are already developing
an international reputation.
The winners of the 1997 E.W.R. Steacie Fellowships are:
- Dr. C. Ross Ethier, an Associate Professor
in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the
University of Toronto, who has done pioneering work in the rapidly
growing field of biomedical engineering. His studies on fluid flow
in the eye have furthered understanding of the link between fluid
drainage in the eye and the development of glaucoma.
- Dr. Ian Manners, a Professor in the
Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, who is recognized
as one of Canada's most dynamic inorganic chemists. A polymerization
approach discovered by his group is virtually unprecedented in transition
metal-based polymer science. It opens an easy route to the synthesis
of a range of new and potentially valuable metal-containing polymers.
- Dr. Robert J. Tibshirani, a Professor
in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at the
University of Toronto. He is recognized internationally for his leadership
in computer-based statistical methodology, particularly for his research
in generalized additive models and the bootstrap, and the successful
application of statistical methods in medical science.
- Dr. Andrew Weaver, an Associate Professor
in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria,
who has earned an international reputation in the area of ocean-atmosphere
modeling and prediction. His research has greatly extended the understanding
of how the ocean influences climatic variability. It suggests that
a world affected by global warming could face sudden swings in climate.
The Steacie Fellowships provide the recipients with an opportunity
to expand their research programs and obtain additional research assistance.
Dr. Brzustowski also announced the winners of NSERC's national prize
for the most outstanding doctoral research in Canada last year. Each
of the following will receive $5,000 and a silver medal.
- Dr. Tricia L. Breen, Department of Chemistry,
University of Windsor. She has won international recognition for her
work in the area of metal-ligand bond chemistry and inorganometallics.
- Dr. Timothy Moon-Yew Chan, Department
of Computer Science, University of British Columbia. At 19, he completed
one of the most remarkable theses seen in computational geometry in
many years.
- Dr. John R. Long, Department of Electronics,
Carleton University. He achieved a major breakthrough in the integration
of radio receiver circuits onto integrated circuits, and his findings
are expected to have a major impact on cell phone circuit design.
- Dr. Gordon K. Squires, Department of
Physics, University of Toronto. He has established himself as a leader
in the hunt to identify the nature of the mysterious "dark matter,"
which constitutes over 90% of the mass of the universe.
The Steacie Fellowships and the Doctoral Prizes will be officially
presented at a ceremony in Ottawa on June 11 along with the Canada Gold
Medal for Science and Engineering. The winner of the Gold Medal will
be announced later this month.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is
the national instrument for making strategic investments in Canada's
capability in science and technology. NSERC supports both basic university
research through research grants and project research through partnerships
of universities with industry. NSERC also supports the advanced training
of highly qualified people in both areas.
For more information on the winners, consult:
Arnet Sheppard, Public Relations Officer, NSERC
Phone: (613) 995-5997
Fax: (613) 943-0742
axs@nserc.ca
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