VIDO Director Honoured with Prestigious Award

Dr. Lorne Babiuk is the recipient of the Anne and Neil McArthur Research Award for 2004. The award represents the recognition of colleagues and peers for outstanding research.

Past recipients of the award include:
2000 Dr. Andrew Novik
2001 Dr. Andreas Laupacis
2002 Dr. James C. Hogg
2003 Dr. Bruce McEwen

(Please see the full release below)

For more information:
Tess Laidlaw
Communications, VIDO
(306) 966-1506

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
Father Sean O’Sullivan Research Centre

Media Release

March 23, 2004

Saskatchewan Virologist Honoured with Prestigious Award

Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), and Canadian Research Chair in Vaccinology at the University of Saskatchewan is the recipient of this year's Anne and Neil McArthur Research Award.

The award recognizes outstanding researchers whose area of endeavour is explored by the Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre (FSORC) at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, in partnership with the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University.

Dr. Babiuk is an international authority in virology and immunology. In recent years he has focused his efforts on the design of vaccines and vaccination strategies. Over 30 years his work has had an impact not only in advancing our scientific knowledge but also in translating that knowledge to the development of novel vaccines for the Canadian and international health communities.

Dr. Jennifer Sturgess, Vice President of Research and director of FSORC at St. Joseph's Healthcare, says, "He is recognized by his peers and colleagues for his significant contribution and sustained efforts to protect all mankind from future threats of infectious diseases."

Dr. Babiuk is co-leader of an international team developing a vaccine against SARS. His research team at the University of Saskatchewan has produced a vaccine against a coronavirus that affects cattle, and that is similar to the human SARS virus. He was quoted at a recent conference as saying, "We can grow the SARS virus easily, so we can inactivate part of it and produce a conventional vaccine, like for polio."

The research on SARS, led by Dr. Babiuk with collaboration of scientists from other centres in Canada, including St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, has contributed to the characterization and the development of screening tests for SARS. The work continues to demonstrate the world-class stature of Canadian research in this field.

International recruiters seek his talents and skills, but Dr. Lorne Babiuk remains committed to the vibrancy of the Canadian research scene.

Dr. Babiuk will speak to scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton before being celebrated at a gala dinner on Wednesday, March 24, 2004.

For more information contact:
Susan Hughes
Media Relations, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
905- 522-1155, ext. 3156