Rx&D announces the creation of Deborah M. Brown Scholarship in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization at McMaster University

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) President Russell Williams announced the creation of a McMaster University scholarship today, during the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The $75,000 scholarship recognizes the outgoing Chair of the Rx&D Board and will support a student studying life sciences at McMaster University.

"Partnerships between academic medical centres and industries have always been of utmost importance to realize fully the benefits of bio-medical research and ensure continued advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease," said Mr. Williams during the AGM, which brought industry and stakeholders together to explore ways in which to better collaborate to realize improved health outcomes for Canadians within a more sustainable health care environment.

The Deborah M. Brown Scholarship in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization will be created in honour of Mrs. Deborah M. Brown, Outgoing Chair of the Rx&D Board (2012), and President and Managing Director, EMD Serono. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in a new cross-disciplinary Bachelors/Master's program in biomedical discovery and commercialization at McMaster. Rx&D and EMD Serono have each contributed $25,000, and McMaster has contributed an additional $25,000 for a total amount of $75,000 over 5 years.

"Canada has a proud history of producing great research minds whose medical discoveries have transformed not only their area of science but the lives of millions around the world," added Ms. Brown. "For all that McMaster University has done for the advancement of science, I'm pleased to support the next generation of researchers at this prestigious academic centre in achieving their dream of improving the health and well-being of patients, through the Rx&D Scholarship in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization."

About Rx&D
Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community invests more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE: CANADA'S RESEARCH-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES (RX&D)

Isabelle Robillard
Media Relations
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