Dr Lorne Babiuk to join University of Alberta as VP of research

Edmonton, AB – Dr Lorne Babiuk has been appointed vice-president (research) at the University of Alberta effective July 1, 2007, for a five-year term. Dr Babiuk is currently CEO and director of the University of Saskatchewan-based Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and holder of the Canada research chair in vaccinology and biotechnology.

In making the announcement, University of Alberta president Indira Samarasekera said “I’m just delighted that one of Canada’s outstanding leaders in research will be joining the University of Alberta team. As a result of Dr Babiuk’s remarkable achievements as a professor and researcher, combined with his ability to commercialize research breakthroughs and advancements, he has been called on to play a leadership role in shaping Canada’s national research agenda through the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Genome Canada, Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. I envision a plethora of remarkable outcomes flowing from his stellar academic career and leadership. Dr Babiuk will continue the momentum and solid foundation of research excellence and creative discovery to take the University of Alberta to the next level, here in Edmonton and also on the world stage. I am thrilled to welcome Dr Babiuk to the University of Alberta.”

Dr Babiuk led the world’s first genetically engineered vaccine for animal species and has recently expanded this research from animals to human health. He is committed to the advancement of science policy and research in Canada and has made significant advances in the commercialization of biological research, serving as an advisor and consultant for investors and companies worldwide on the control of infectious diseases and the health and productivity of livestock.

He says he sees his new role as that of a facilitator. “I need to ensure the right conditions exist for professors and students to conduct advanced research,” he says.

He has been on faculty at the University of Saskatchewan for more than 30 years and holds numerous honours including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America.

He succeeds Dr Gary Kachanoski who will step down June 30 to take up his academic duties in the university’s department of renewable resources.