Toronto-area Student, 16, Uses Supercomputer to Invent New Drug Cocktail to Fight Cystic Fibrosis, Wins Top Prize in National Science Challenge
June 20, 2011 by admin
Greater Toronto Area, Greater Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Winnipeg students win top national honours for high school biotechnology projects
While many 16-year-olds are content with PlayStation, Toronto-area student Marshall Zhang used the Canadian SCINET supercomputing network to invent a new drug cocktail which could one day help treat cystic fibrosis.
The Grade 11 student at Bayview Secondary School in Richmond Hill so impressed eight eminent scientists at the National Research Council Canada laboratories in Ottawa they awarded him first prize today in the 2011 Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada.
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Special issue of the Canadian Young Scientist Journal devoted to the Sanofi Aventis BioTalent Challenge
May 26, 2011 by admin
Special support by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research has allowed us to provide an opportunity for some SABC 2010 competitors, to publish their work in a professional manner. Publication is the final piece in the real-life research experience that is offered by the Sanofi Aventis BioTalent Challenge. A copy of this special issue has been sent to each of 3200 Canadian secondary schools. You can also see the electronic version of this issue below.
Canadian Young Scientist Journal
Merck “Exploring Minds” Bioscience Lectures and Workshops, April 19th and 20th at Ryerson University
March 29, 2011 by admin
With the generous support of Merck & Co., Bioscience Education Canada is proud to partner with Ryerson University to present this free series of bioscience lectures and workshops for high school students. BEC also appreciates the participation of personnel from eight institutions of research or post-secondary education.
The Lecture and Workshop Series take place on Tuesday April 19th and Wednesday April 20th, 2011 in the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, Ryerson University (245 Church Street). Map (Pass your mouse over a building for its description and photo.)
These annual youth outreach events have been very well attended in the past and it is important for teachers to register their classes early. Registration can be made by contacting Bioscience Education Canada at 416-640-0206 or at info@bioscienceeducation.ca
This year’s group of young investigators have researched topics as diverse as the genetic engineering of pathogen resistance in plants and the practicality of using fruit and vegetable extracts against H. pylori, the causative agent of ulcers. The SABC continues to offer a unique opportunity for curious and creative students to have a “graduate level” research experience under the guidance of professional scientists. Nineteen projects have advanced to the competition this year. The Toronto student teams will compete for $12,000 in cash prizes and scholarships at, Ryerson University on April 19 and 20, 2011. The national competition will be held in Ottawa later in May.
Please read the 2011 Merck Lecture Workshop Schedule and Outlines.
Ontario Science Centre Weston Youth Innovation Award
January 24, 2011 by admin
The Ontario Science Centre “Weston Youth Innovation Award” is given annually by the Ontario Science Centre to encourage and recognize young Canadian innovators.
It provides students aged 14 to 18 a unique vehicle to share their ideas and get the word out to a much larger audience. Along with a cash prize, there is an opportunity for the winner to work with OSC staff to create an animated video promoting his/her work. The English and French websites are here:
2011 Weston Youth Innovation Award
le Prix d’Innovation Weston pour les jeunes 2011
Sabrina Greupner
Manager, Weston Family Innovation Centre
The Ontario Science Centre
Toronto, Canada
www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca
sabrina.greupner@osc.on.ca
phone: (416) 696-3162
fax: (416) 696-3181
Happy Holidays from Bioscience Education Canada
December 20, 2010 by admin
Bioscience Education Canada appoints Executive Director
November 16, 2010 by admin
The Board of Directors of Bioscience Education Canada (BEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Paul as Executive Director, effective November 1, 2010
Bill previously held senior advisor and business development positions in research administration at McMaster University. He assisted faculty in attracting research funding, as well as managed an $18.5 million research project in chronic gastrointestinal disease. He also held senior administrative positions at the University of Ottawa, as well as research positions at McGill University and the University of Melbourne, Australia. Bill earned his BSc in physiology at McGill University and a MBA from the University of Liverpool.
“We are delighted that Bill is bringing his extensive experience in expanding current funding to grow existing BEC programs as well as launch new initiatives,” said Mr. Jeff Graham, Chair of the Board. In his new role, Bill will be responsible for developing new programs and relationships with new sponsors, soliciting new funding, and overseeing the overall administration of BEC.
BEC is the only national non-profit charitable organization with a mandate to develop and operate science outreach programs in biotechnology for students, teachers and the general public. It is the founder and longstanding national program coordinator of the Sanofi Aventis BioTalent Challenge, a science competition for high school students across Canada begun in 1994.
For more information, please contact BEC at 416-640-0206 or at info@bioscienceeducation.ca.
7th National Biotechnology Week
July 12, 2010 by admin
7ième semaine nationale des biotechnologies
July 12, 2010 by admin
Bioscience Education Canada appoints Program Director
June 24, 2010 by admin
The Board of Directors of the Bioscience Education Canada (BEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Legault as Program Director, effective June 21, 2010.
Mr. Legault has worked at BEC as the program coordinator for the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge in the greater Toronto area since 2003. He served as chair of the
2nd Annual National Bioscience Educators’ Conference (NBEC) is 2008 and as co-chair for NBEC 2009. He has also been responsible for organizing the annual lecture series
sponsored by The Biotechnology Initiative and Merck Frosst’s “Exploring Minds” workshops.
“We are delighted that Tony has agreed to take on additional responsibilities as program director at BEC,” said Mr. Jeff Graham, Chair of the Board. In his new role, Tony will be responsible for directing BEC’s current programs and developing new initiatives to interest more young Canadians in careers in biotechnology.
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BEC’s flagship program, the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge, receives one of 12 honourable mention awards
May 13, 2010 by admin
BEC’s flagship program, the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge, received one of 12 honourable mention awards in the 2010 Global Best Awards for the Americas region, presented by The Conference Board of Canada in collaboration with the International Partnership Network.
“The awards celebrate outstanding partnerships that have a significant impact on the communities in which they operate,” said Michael Bloom, Vice-President, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning.
The awards were announced on April 28 at the 10th International Education Business Partnership Conference in Toronto.