Ottawa, ON (September 14, 2005) – Dr. Leo Renaud, Associate Director and Senior Scientist, Ottawa Health Research Institute and Director of Research, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, today has been appointed the first Dr. J. David Grimes Research Chair at the University of Ottawa.
The University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Health Research Institute, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) partnered to fund the $2 million Grimes Chair.
According to Neuroscience Canada, more than 10 million (one in three) Canadians of all ages are affected by neurological and psychiatric disorders and half of all Canadians – about 15 million people – have had a brain disorder impact their family. This daily struggle demands more research into why these disorders occur. Associated health care costs will increase dramatically within the next decade due to the aging population.
"The research chair announced today is an example of how health research is transforming our health care system," said the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Minister of Internal Trade, Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier. "This transformation is not only in terms of understanding and treatment of these disorders, but our talented researchers will help to drive the development of new health products and services, attract investment and create jobs for Canada's highly trained workforce."
This important new research position will explore brain cell function to advance the understanding and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression. Brain disorders are a leading cause of disability and death and represent 14 per cent of the total economic burden of health costs in the country.
"I am delighted to be appointed the first Dr. J. David Grimes Research Chair," said Dr. Leo Renaud. "I am convinced that the best approach for finding the causes and possible cures for many neurological and psychiatric disorders is to advance our understanding of the basic cellular and molecular biology of brain cells."
"Cooperation is a cornerstone of excellence in education, good research and advancing the cause of science," said uOttawa President Gilles Patry. "Our students, our professors and our talented research community will benefit from this exciting partnership."
"GlaxoSmithKline is dedicated to supporting vital research that will ultimately help people who suffer from neurological and psychiatric disorders," said Paul Lucas, President & CEO, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. "Our contribution comes from the GlaxoSmithKline Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science Research, an initiative that encourages health science research and fosters medical innovation in Canadian medical schools."
The chair is named for the significant contributions of Dr. J. David Grimes, founder of the Loeb Research Institute (forerunner of the Ottawa Health Research Institute), to the development of medical research at the University of Ottawa.
"It is particularly fitting that Dr. Renaud be chosen for the Grimes Chair as he was recruited from McGill by Dr. Grimes in 1990 to be the first head of the Neurosciences Program in the former Loeb Institute," said Dr. Ronald Worton, CEO and Scientific Director of the Ottawa Health Research Institute. "Dr. Renaud has been one of Canada's most outstanding neuroscientists for over three decades and this is a wonderful recognition of his international stature as a scientist and his many contributions to the Ottawa Health Research Institute and the University of Ottawa."
"Today's announcement demonstrates CIHR's commitment to improving the lives of Canadians," said Dr. Nancy Edwards, CIHR Governing Council Member. "The knowledge generated by Dr. Renaud will increase our scientific understanding of neurological and psychological disorders and help identify the best possible solutions to alleviate this social and economic burden."
About the Partners
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is North America's largest bilingual university, with over 30,000 students studying and living in both of Canada's official languages. Over 1,000 faculty and researchers are involved in cutting-edge research in all major fields, and the University receives over $150 million each year in research funding. Visit www.uottawa.ca for more information.
Ottawa Health Research Institute
The Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI) is a research institute of The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa. With more than 300 scientists and investigators, 300 students, 500 support staff, and $70 million in external funding, the OHRI is one of the fastest growing and most respected hospital-based research institutes in Canada. For additional information, visit www.ohri.ca.
GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and health-care companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. In Canada, GlaxoSmithKline is a top 20 investor in research and development, and contributed more than $140 million in 2004 alone. For more information visit www.gsk.ca.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (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 close to 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. For further information, please visit www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
For more information, please contact:
University of Ottawa
Bob LeDrew
613-562-5800, ext. 3154
Bob.ledrew@uOttawa.ca
GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
Alison Steeves / Melinda McInnes
905-819-3363
Ottawa Health Research Institute
Jennifer Paterson
613-798-5555, ext. 19691
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Marie-France Poirier
613-941-4563