| For immediate release - |
2006-38 |
Ottawa, Ontario (October 4, 2006) - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Mr. Jérôme Silvestre, President of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc., today announced the first three recipients of a CANADA-HOPE Scholarship. The scholarship recipients are studying healthy aging, organ damage and stroke research. The funding for this initiative was announced by CIHR in October 2005.
The three scholarships announced today are supported by the CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program. This joint program was developed by CIHR and the HOPE investigators and is supported by the CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program, in partnership with sanofi-aventis Canada Inc.
Under this program, during the first two years, the three researchers are mentored in Canada where they are exposed to some of the best Canadian science, laboratories and training environments. Their research projects will be transferred to their home institution when they return to India for the remaining two years of the program.
"Canada's new government is committed to forging new ways to develop international collaborative efforts between researchers," said Minister Clement. "The CANADA-HOPE Scholarship is an innovative program with the potential to lead to the development of sustainable research programs that benefit both Canadians and people around the world."
"CANADA-HOPE Scholarships offer an exciting opportunity for outstanding young researchers from developing countries to develop their research skills further in Canada." said Dr. Bernstein. "We hope that as a result of receiving these scholarships these researchers will establish productive research programs in their home country. Canada will benefit from their energy and skills and through the establishment of long-term relationships. "
The three recipients are:
"The CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program is a wonderful example of the shared commitment of the HOPE investigators, CIHR and sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. to building capacity for health research in low - and middle - income countries," said Dr. Salim Yusuf, one of the HOPE investigators. "The studies of the first three recipients demonstrate how effectively this partnership is helping to solve global health problems."
"Sanofi-aventis is proud to support the CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program. Supporting young researchers around the world to develop themselves in their field of research and give them the opportunity to share their experience with Canadian researchers is well in line with our focus on innovation as a company". said Jérôme Silvestre, President of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc.
CIHR is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program enables scientists, clinicians and members of the full spectrum of health professions, and Rx&D members to optimize opportunities in clinical research benefiting the health of Canadians.
Canada's Rx&D is a national association representing over fifty research-based pharmaceutical companies in Canada. The mission of Rx&D is to improve the quality of life of all Canadians and enhance our health care system by fostering the discovery, development and availability of new medicines.
Sanofi-aventis is the world's third largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic disorders, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY).
In Canada, the pharmaceutical business of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. employs over 1,140 people and has its headquarters in Laval, Quebec.
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Attachment:
Project Backgrounders
For further information, please contact:
| Marie-France Poirier CIHR Media Relations Tel.: (613) 941-4563 mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca |
Sylvain Clermont sanofi-aventis Tel.: (514) 956-6120 E-mail: sylvain.clermont@sanofi-aventis.com |
| Eric Waddell Office of the Honourable Tony Clement Tel.: (613) 957-0200 |
