University of Toronto and Amgen Foundation Partner to Bring Prestigious Amgen Scholars Program to Canada

Four-year grant offers Canadian undergraduate students the opportunity to gain
hands-on research experience with world-leading U of T researchers

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the University of Toronto (U of T) is pleased to announce the launch of the Amgen Scholars Canada Program, an immersive research program that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, be mentored by some of U of T's world-renowned scientists, and deepen their understanding of medical biotechnology. This is the first time the Amgen Scholars program has been offered in Canada.

Amgen Foundation (CNW Group/Amgen Canada)

Beginning in 2019, 15 undergraduate students from across Canada will be welcomed to Toronto for a 10-week research placement at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine and Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. The program aims to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a career in science or engineering.

During their time as Canada's Amgen Scholars, students will:

• Take part in important research projects at U of T, gaining hands-on lab experience and contributing to the advancement of science.
  
  
• Be mentored by faculty, including some of the world's leading research scientists.
  
  
• Attend scientific seminars, workshops and other networking events, including regional summer symposia where students will come together to share their research projects, learn about biotechnology and hear first-hand from leading industry and academic scientists.

Canada's Amgen Scholars will also have the chance to experience Toronto's unique biomedical ecosystem. U of T is the research and educational hub within Toronto's vibrant network of world-leading hospitals and health care sites, and the only Faculty of Medicine in the vibrant and diverse Greater Toronto Area of six million people.

Financial support for students is also a critical component of the program, which offers fully-funded research opportunities to students, independent of financial status.

By helping aspiring scientists delve into world-leading biomedical research — and breaking down barriers they may face, whether due to socioeconomic status, geographical location, or belonging to historically marginalized groups — the Amgen Scholars Canada Program is poised to inspire and equip a new generation of homegrown health leaders and innovative researchers.

Representatives of U of T and Amgen also expressed their support for the importance and value of the Amgen Scholars Program in Canada:

• "We're thrilled to be launching the Amgen Scholars Canada Program here at U of T. By offering valuable research experience to undergraduate students and prospective researchers across the country, and fostering connections with our leading investigators — this program is fueling tomorrow's innovations." – Professor Vivek Goel, Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Toronto
  
  
• "Students and trainees bring so many fresh ideas and perspectives to our work. We often keep in touch long after they move to other institutions, and the connections often lead to research collaborations down the road." – Stéphane Angers, Associate Dean of Research and professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto
  
  
• "We have this incredible ecosystem of collaboration. We have outstanding students, world-leading researchers and a strong interdisciplinary network that all come together to catalyze imagination, innovation and discovery." – Leah Cowen, professor and Chair of the Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
  
  
• "As the pace of innovation increases, so too does the need to educate the scientists of tomorrow. We look forward to further expanding the reach of the Amgen Scholars Program, which has already provided research opportunities to thousands of talented undergraduates at premier institutions around the globe, and now has the potential do much more." – Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen
  
  
• "The world needs more talented scientists who are continually innovating, and Canada is an ideal incubator for thought leadership and scientific discovery. We are excited to foster science education in Canada, and to collaborate with the world-class researchers at the University of Toronto through the expansion of this proven, successful Amgen Foundation program." – Francesco Di Marco, vice president and general manager, Amgen Canada

ABOUT THE AMGEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Since its inception in 2006, the Amgen Scholars Program has made research opportunities at premier institutions possible for more than 4,000 undergraduate students from over 700 colleges and universities who have participated to date.

Of those alumni who have completed their undergraduate studies, nearly 900 are currently pursuing an advanced graduate degree in a scientific field, and another 280 have earned their Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. More than 500 are employed in scientific fields across 33 countries, with 99 percent of surveyed alumni saying the program impacted their academic or professional direction.

Amgen Scholars is now hosted at 24 top institutions across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and for the first time in 2019, China, Singapore, Australia and Canada. The Amgen Foundation will commit more than $21 million to the Amgen Scholars Program through 2022, totaling a $74 million investment over 16 years.

U of T is now accepting applications for the 2019 Amgen Scholars Canada Program, until February 1, 2019. For more information, or to apply, visit http://www.glse.utoronto.ca/amgen-scholars-canada-program and follow us on Twitter at @uoftmedicine, @UofTPharmacy and @AmgenFoundation

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto (U of T) is Canada's largest university, recognized as a global leader in research and teaching. The university consistently ranks among the top 25 universities in the world. Its distinguished faculty, institutional record of groundbreaking scholarship and wealth of innovative academic opportunities continually attract outstanding academics and students from around the world and across its three campuses. Known for the discovery of insulin, stem cells, the first electronic heart pacemaker and first lung transplant, U of T is the research and educational hub within one of North America's largest biomedical clusters.

ABOUT THE AMGEN FOUNDATION

The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance excellence in science education to inspire the next generation of innovators and to invest in strengthening communities where Amgen staff members live and work. To date, the Foundation has donated over $300 million to local, regional and international nonprofit organizations that impact society in inspiring and innovative ways. For more information, visit www.AmgenInspires.com and follow us on Twitter at @AmgenFoundation.

ABOUT AMGEN CANADA

As a leader in innovation, Amgen Canada understands the value of science. With main operations located in Mississauga, Ont.'s vibrant biomedical cluster, and its research facility in Burnaby, B.C., Amgen Canada has been an important contributor to advancements in science and innovation in Canada since 1991. The company contributes to the development of new therapies and new uses for existing medicines in partnership with many of Canada's leading health-care, academic, research, government and patient organizations. To learn more about Amgen Canada, visit www.amgen.ca.

SOURCE Amgen Canada

Media Contacts: Kate Richards, Communications, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, [email protected], [phone]; Marlo Taylor, [email protected], [phone]