Loss of Global Competitiveness in Research and Innovation

President of Princeton University, the 2010 Friesen Prizewinner, questions whether Canadian and American Universities can Rescue this Decline.

OTTAWA, Sept. 27 /CNW/ - Internationally renowned Canadian molecular biologist and President of Princeton University Dr. Shirley M. Tilghman will deliver public lectures at the University of Ottawa on September 29^th at 1:30 pm and at Queen's University on October 1^st at 11:00 am.  Live streaming of both lectures will be accessible at www.fcihr.ca.

Dr. Tilghman is the first female recipient of the prestigious 2010 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research.  Raised primarily in Winnipeg, she received her undergraduate degree from Queen's University and her doctorate from Temple University in Philadelphia.  A member of Princeton's faculty since 1986, she won international distinction as a pioneer in efforts to map the human genome.  In 2001, Dr. Tilghman became President of Princeton, one of the world's top research universities.

In Ottawa, Dr. Tilghman will address "Science and Enterprise as a Social Good: The Role of Universities," exploring both the critical contribution that universities make to scientific progress and national well-being and the challenges that threaten to undermine their effectiveness in this regard.  "The future security and prosperity of the United States and Canada will depend in large measure on the strength of our scientific enterprise, much of it centered on university campuses", says Dr. Tilghman.  She will argue in favour of a renewed commitment to scientific research, technological innovation and the education of a new generation of scientists and scientifically literate citizens.

Dr. Tilghman has also been a strong advocate for advancing the careers of women and under-represented minorities in the sciences.  She will speak about "Bridging the Gender Gap in Science and Technology" at Queen's University. "We are concerned that women continue to be under-represented in science and health research and in roles of academic leadership," notes Dr. Aubie Angel, President of the Friends of Canadian Institutes of Health Research.  "We hope that Dr. Tilghman's success in the sciences and advanced education will inspire young scientists - especially women - and the support structures that they need.  The far-reaching impact of new scientific and technological knowledge on Canada's place on the international stage and as a driving force within our own economy is not always evident.  Dr. Tilghman's work and example help us to see the urgency of investing now in the leaders of tomorrow."

Dr. Tilghman's genetics research focussed on the analysis of genes whose expression pattern is determined by whether the gene is inherited from the mother or the father.  She discovered the mechanism of parent-specific silencing of genes and was also one of the architects of the Human Genome Project, co-founding the National Institutes of Health's National Advisory Council for this initiative.

The Friesen Prize, established by the Friends of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (FCIHR) in collaboration with the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, recognizes exceptional innovation by a visionary health leader of international stature.  She will be receive the award on September 29^th, 2010.

For further information:

about Dr. Tilghman, the Friends of CIHR and the Friesen International Prize, please visit www.fcihr.ca or contact Cristina S. Castellvi at [phone] or Crystal J. Mason at [phone].