Rx&D announces the creation of Ronnie Miller Scholarship in Personalized Medicine at the University of British Columbia

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) President Russell Williams announced the creation of a University of British Columbia scholarship today, during the association's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The $50,000 scholarship recognizes a past Chair of the Rx&D Board and will support a student studying life sciences at the University of British Columbia.

"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 Ronnie Miller Scholarship in Personalized Medicine has been created in honour of Mr. Ronnie Miller, past Chair of the Rx&D Board (2011) and President & CEO, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited. It will be awarded to a graduate student of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia, whose work will provide a significant contribution to the British Columbia Personalized Medicine Initiative (BCPMI). Rx&D and Hoffmann-La Roche Limited have each contributed $25,000, for a total of $50,000 over 5 years.

"I am very proud of this scholarship program, and am excited by the potential of the next generation of scientists, and where they will take us in personalized healthcare," added Mr. Miller. "Over the years I have had tremendous opportunities to work in British Columbia, so I am very familiar with the exceptional calibre of scientists and academia in the province. I am thrilled UBC is the recipient of this scholarship."

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 represents the men and women working for more than 50 member companies which invest more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy, contributing over $3 billion to the Canadian 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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