Hall of fame inducts two respected Canadian scientists

Ottawa, ON – Two Canadian scientists have joined 40 other scientists and innovators recognized in the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are geneticist Louis Siminovitch and physicist Richard E Taylor.

There are currently 40 scientists, engineers, and researchers recognized in the Hall of Fame, including John Polanyi, Maude Abbot, Sir Sandford Fleming and Joseph Armand Bombardier. Each spring, new members are added to the permanent gallery at the Canada Science and Technology Museum and on its website sciencetech.technomuses.ca.

“Since its creation in 1991, the Hall of Fame has been known for the high calibre of its members, and has served as a reminder to all young Canadians of the possibilities of doing great scientific and engineering work in this country”, said Claude Faubert, director general of the museum.

Dr Siminovitch is considered a pioneer in genetics research in Canada. His papers on bacteriophage genetics remain classics and were pivotal to the emergence of modern molecular biology. His role in shaping Canada’s research infrastructure is unique, having played an integral role in developing three outstanding medical research institutes: the Ontario Cancer Institute, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute and the Samuel Lunenfeld Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Born in Montreal, Dr. Siminovitch is Companion of the Order of Canada and a member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Dr Taylor is a Nobel laureate for his work in physics. He and his colleagues provided the first physical evidence for quarks, now recognized as the building blocks of 99% of all matter. He is a distinguished university professor in the department of physics at the University of Alberta and on the Board of Trustees of Canada’s National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT). Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Dr Taylor is a companion of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

“This year’s inductees to the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame are outstanding examples of the exciting and valuable contributions that Canadians make to our knowledge and understanding of our world,” says Paul Lewis, president & general manager, Discovery Channel Canada and keynote speaker at the induction ceremony. “From the inner workings of the human body to the smallest particles in the universe, our scientists are pioneers in their fields who have built international reputations while furthering Canada’s profile as a dynamic centre for innovation and excellence.”