Mamdouh Shoukri Archives | Research & Innovation /research/tag/mamdouh-shoukri/ Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:56:57 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Feds announce millions for new project: 91亚色 a major partner /research/2012/09/13/feds-announce-millions-for-new-project-york-a-major-partner-2/ Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2012/09/13/feds-announce-millions-for-new-project-york-a-major-partner-2/ The federal government announced Wednesday at 91亚色 that it would contribute up to $15.5 million dollars through its Technology Development Program to the Connected Health and Wellness Project, of which 91亚色 is a major partner. The Connected Health and Wellness Project is a collaborative project led by a partnership of 91亚色, NexJ Systems […]

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The federal government announced Wednesday at 91亚色 that it would contribute up to $15.5 million dollars through its Technology Development Program to the Connected Health and Wellness Project, of which 91亚色 is a major partner.

The Connected Health and Wellness Project is a collaborative project led by a partnership of 91亚色, NexJ Systems and McMaster University. All together the project includes 16 Ontario private sector, academic and not-for-profit research partners. In addition to the federal funding, the project has leveraged more than $23 million in private-sector investments.

From left, 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri; Dr. David Price, chair of the Department of Family Medicine聽at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University; Harvey Skinner, dean of 91亚色's Faculty of Health; Gary Goodyear, minister of state for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario; William M. Tatham, CEO of聽NexJ Systems Inc.; and Mark Adler,聽MP for 91亚色 Centre.聽

This project will involve cloud-based software will allow patients to access and share their health records with their family, friends and care teams, including a health coach, to collaboratively manage their health and wellness. The new profession of health coaches will be trained at 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Health. This technology will also allow hospitals, physicians and other healthcare professionals to access and update this information on an ongoing basis.

For example, patients with diabetes will be able to track their biometric measurements, such as meals and exercise, using smartphones and share this information easily with their medical teams.

Gary Goodyear, minister of state for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario,聽makes a funding annoucement at 91亚色

鈥91亚色 is proud to partner with the government of Canada, industry, academic and healthcare providers to deliver a new people-centred, technology-enabled health and wellness model,鈥 said 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri at the funding announcement at 91亚色鈥檚 Life Sciences Building. 鈥91亚色's creation of a training program and professional standards for the new health coach profession is a first inCanadato combine multiple skill sets in health promotion, disease prevention and behaviour change that highlight91亚色's breadth and depth in health expertise.鈥

Announced by Gary Goodyear, minister of state for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and Mark Adler,聽MP for 91亚色 Centre, the project is a technology platform containing an integrated suite of compatible technologies and apps designed to improve the health of Canadians.

鈥淥ur Government is committed to helping personalize health care for Canadians,鈥 said Goodyear. 鈥淥ur investment will bring integrated health and wellness solutions to market that will provide Canadians with new solutions to better manage their own health using innovative technology developed in our region.鈥

Harvey Skinner, dean of 91亚色's Faculty of Health at the announcement

Goodyear went on to say that we are at the forefront of the next generation in health care management, which will not only reduce costs of delivering health care to our citizens, but it will improve the health care that they receive and ultimately that is what鈥檚 it鈥檚 all about. He also said that the government鈥檚 investment will help 91亚色 and its partners to undertake a collaborative project that may in fact revolutionize health-care delivery, not only in Canada, but ultimately around the world.

As the amount of people with chronic medical conditions grows, along with the need to manage these conditions, the need for this kind of project is clear.

"The combination of mobile technology, electronic health records and behaviour change supported by a health coach will help more people live healthier, longer, and receive timely access to effective health care when needed. This is the essence of people-centred health,鈥 said Harvey Skinner, dean of聽91亚色's Faculty of Health. "This partnership is an important step forward for transforming and sustaining health-care and wellness systems in Canada and globally.鈥

More than five billion people globally now have access to mobile technology and that presents a huge opportunity to reach out to people in poorer and remote communities, said Skinner.

The project will help create the conditions to make southern Ontario鈥檚 businesses and not-for-profit institutions global leaders in the development and delivery of integrated electronic health-care software. It is also positioning the region as a leader in advancing health coaching, which is intended to help Canada and other countries around the world find new ways to decrease health-care costs.

Mamdouh Shoukri talks with Gary Goodyear following the announcement at 91亚色

Other partners in the project include:

Academic: George Brown College, Seneca College and Centennial College

Industry: RIM; Rogers; Tyze Personal Networks; OSCAR Service Providers; PryLynx Corporation and Trivaris

Healthcare providers: Southlake Regional Health Centre; North 91亚色 General Hospital; Centre for Global eHealth Innovation (University Health Network) and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center of Harvard Medical School

Republished courtesy of YFile鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin.

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Professor Robert Hach茅 is 91亚色's new vice-president research & innovation /research/2011/05/31/professor-robert-hache-is-yorks-new-vice-president-research-innovation-2/ Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2011/05/31/professor-robert-hache-is-yorks-new-vice-president-research-innovation-2/ Robert Hach茅, a聽molecular聽and cellular biologist and biochemist, will assume the role of vice-president research & innovation at 91亚色 for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2011. The announcement of Hach茅's appointment was made yesterday by 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. 鈥淚 am thrilled that Dr. Hach茅 is coming to 91亚色,鈥 said聽Shoukri. 鈥淒r. […]

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, a聽molecular聽and cellular biologist and biochemist, will assume the role of vice-president research & innovation at 91亚色 for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2011.

The announcement of Hach茅's appointment was made yesterday by 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. 鈥淚 am thrilled that Dr. Hach茅 is coming to 91亚色,鈥 said聽Shoukri. 鈥淒r. Hach茅's ideas, experience and skills will enable us to continue to enhance our increasingly strong research profile, and expand into one of Canada鈥檚 leading interdisciplinary research and teaching universities.鈥

Right: Robert Hach茅

Hach茅聽is currently the聽associate vice-president research at the , where he has played a key role in advancing strategic research priorities. He has also held appointments in the university's Department of Cell Biology聽and Anatomy in the Faculty of Medicine, and in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science, where he maintained an active research program. Previously, he spent聽18 years at the University of Ottawa, the last聽12 in a series of research leadership positions that ended with a term as vice-dean, research for the Faculty of Medicine.

鈥淚 am delighted to be coming to 91亚色 at what is sure to be a promising time in its history,鈥 said Hach茅. 鈥淚 look forward to working with faculty and researchers to further the development of its rapidly growing and internationally-recognized research enterprise.鈥

A聽molecular聽and cellular biologist and biochemist, Hach茅 has made important contributions to the understanding of how steroid hormone signaling takes place in cells and how cells respond to DNA damaging agents. He has chaired and been a member of a number of boards and advisory committees associated with research development and research management. Hach茅 received his BSc in biochemistry from McGill University and his PhD in biochemistry from Queen's University.

Hach茅 has been the recipient of many research grants and awards, including from the (CIHR), the , the (NCIC), The Inc., and the (NSERC). He is the author of more than 130 scientific articles and abstracts and has delivered many distinguished invited presentations on various aspects of his research.

鈥淚 would like to thank Stan Shapson for his outstanding leadership and friendship,鈥 Shoukri said of 91亚色's outgoing vice-president research & innovation. 鈥淒uring his time at 91亚色, Stan was instrumental in advancing 91亚色鈥檚 research and innovation mandate, as well as raising the University鈥檚 profile externally. Among his many contributions, Stan helped to oversee the launch of the Markham Convergence Centre, an important research initiative in the provincial government鈥檚 ONE Network.鈥

Added Shoukri: 鈥淚 am grateful to Stan for all that he has achieved over the years at 91亚色, and wish him well in all of his future endeavours.鈥

Republished courtesy of YFile 鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin.

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Asian Television Network founder supports Fine Arts research and undergraduate students /research/2011/03/29/asian-television-network-founder-supports-fine-arts-research-2/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2011/03/29/asian-television-network-founder-supports-fine-arts-research-2/ Shan Chandrasekar (Hon. LLD 鈥10) once said that 鈥渆ducation is the greatest opportunity.鈥 Now, the founder, president and CEO of Asian Television Network (ATN) has ensured that students in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Fine Arts will benefit from a unique opportunity. Making good on a collaboration he first outlined as part of last spring鈥檚 convocation address, […]

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Shan Chandrasekar (Hon. LLD 鈥10) once said that 鈥渆ducation is the greatest opportunity.鈥 Now, the founder, president and CEO of Asian Television Network (ATN) has ensured that students in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Fine Arts will benefit from a unique opportunity.

Making good on a collaboration he first outlined as part of last spring鈥檚 convocation address, 91亚色鈥檚 2010 honorary-degree recipient and his wife, Jaya, an executive vice-president and vice-president, programming at ATN, pledged $100,000 earlier this month to create the Shan聽& Jaya Chandrasekar Visiting Artist/Scholar Residency in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Fine Arts. The commitment is the first step in what Chandrasekar hopes is a long-term association with the University, his family and ATN.

Above: Back row, from left, Paul Marcus, president & CEO, 91亚色 Foundation; 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri; Asian Television Network (ATN) President & CEO Shan Chandrasekar. Seated, from left, Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Barbara Sellers-Young and Jaya Chandrasekar, executive vice-president聽& vice-president, programming,聽ATN.

鈥淭here are untold opportunities for collaboration between artists and scholars and students at 91亚色,鈥 he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 very keen to collaborate with 91亚色 on initiatives that advance arts and culture around the world.鈥

Beginning later this year, for each of the next four years the Shan聽& Jaya Chandrasekar Visiting Artist/Scholar Residency will support a visiting artist or scholar whose expertise includes arts and culture in the South Asian or Southeast Asian region. The candidate will work intensively with 91亚色 fine arts students and faculty, supporting research and teaching through activities like master classes, lectures, creative/technical demonstrations, art production, and exhibitions and installations.

鈥91亚色 is extremely appreciative and grateful for Shan and Jaya Chandrasekar鈥檚 generosity,鈥 says Mamdouh Shoukri, 91亚色鈥檚 president and vice-chancellor. 鈥淪han and Jaya recognize 91亚色 as an invaluable contributor to Canadian society. They have seen first-hand the impact of our institution in the community, in the province and across this nation."

鈥淪han is a valued a member of the Fine Arts Advisory Council and has long been an advocate for the arts,鈥 says Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Barbara Sellers-Young.聽鈥淚 share Shan and Jaya鈥檚 excitement about what this new residency will mean for our students. The visiting South and Southeast Asian artists and scholars will provide new frameworks for considering the arts and their contribution to society.鈥

The Chandrasekars have been creating multicultural opportunities in business and the arts since the 1970s when they launched the first television programming dedicated to Toronto鈥檚 South Asian community. ATN followed, growing from a single program in 1993 to 33 specialty channels and the first and only 24-hour radio service reaching South Asian audiences throughout North America. In recognition of his contributions to private broadcasting in Canada, Shan Chandrasekar was inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2004. Jaya Chandrasekar received the same honour in 2008.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been a bridge-builder, opening doors to diverse avenues of understanding about our world,鈥 says Chandrasekar. 鈥淏ut now I鈥檓 working to achieve those goals in a new way, with a new partner.

鈥淓ducation really is the greatest opportunity. I can only imagine where this exciting collaboration will take us next.鈥

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Environment Minister Peter Kent tours Life Sciences Building /research/2011/03/16/environment-minister-peter-kent-tours-life-sciences-building-2/ Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2011/03/16/environment-minister-peter-kent-tours-life-sciences-building-2/ New research and teaching facility scheduled to open Fall 2011 Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent paid an informal visit to 91亚色's Keele campus yesterday to view first-hand the results of the government's聽investment in聽Canada's current and future聽scientists and researchers. Above: From left, Environment Minister Peter Kent, senior project superintendent Chris Robinson and 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor […]

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New research and teaching facility scheduled to open Fall 2011

Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent paid an informal visit to 91亚色's Keele campus yesterday to view first-hand the results of the government's聽investment in聽Canada's current and future聽scientists and researchers.

Above: From left, Environment Minister Peter Kent, senior project superintendent Chris Robinson and 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri review the building blueprints

Kent, who is also MP for nearby Thornhill,聽was on campus to tour the construction site of the new 160,000-square-foot Life Sciences Building. The facility's construction was made possible by $70 million in federal and provincial funding through the (KIP), part of the federal government's聽Economic Action Plan and the Ontario government's 2009 Budget.

Right: Kent congratulates Shoukri during a ceremony on the temporary steps leading to the Life Sciences Building

"91亚色 is pleased to have received funding under the Federal-Provincial Knowledge Infrastructure Program," said 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. "These investments are enhancing 91亚色's solid reputation as Canada's leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university, and strengthening our capacity for quality research and innovation."

The addition of the Life Sciences Building to the Keele campus will increase available learning and research facilities for students and faculty in high-demand science and health-related disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry and kinesiology.

"As Canada begins to emerge from global recession, the investment in state-of-the-art research labs is essential to creating and securing valuable skills jobs both now and in the future," said Kent. "By modernizing research and training facilities on Canada's college and university campuses, this will help build the foundation for future growth. Our government is working to ensure the best science and innovation opportunities as well as the world's best researchers are right here on Canadian soil."

Left: Kent addresses the group gathered for the tour

Construction of the聽Life Sciences Building is entering its final phase. Scheduled聽to open this fall, it will聽provide聽top-notch learning and research facilities for聽up to 1,700 additional undergraduate students and up to 50 new life science researchers. Leading-edge technologies, such as a聽radioisotope suite and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer for advanced imaging will be among the high-tech equipment contained in the new structure.

"This building will provide an incredible opportunity for 91亚色 to meet the growing demand by young Canadians who would like to study life sciences and health," said Shoukri. "It will also help our young researchers to build their careers and use their knowledge to advance the frontier of understanding for the world and it will create an opportunity to help economic development through innovation."

Constructed using Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) principles, the building聽uses strategies aimed at improving聽energy savings, water efficiency,聽carbon dioxide聽emissions reduction, indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources.

The Government of Canada's Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a聽$2-billion economic stimulus measure to support infrastructure enhancement at Canadian postsecondary institutions. It聽is part of nearly $16 billion in new infrastructure investment allocated under the聽Economic Action Plan since 2009.

Above: From left, 91亚色 master's聽candidate Omar El-Ansari; Faculty of Health Dean Harvey Skinner;聽Vice-President Research & Innovation Stan Shapson;聽 Environment Minister Peter Kent;聽President & Vice Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri; Vice-President University Relations Jennifer Sloan; Sidra Khan, a second-year life sciences student; Janusz Kozinski, dean of the Faculty of Science & Engineering; and Paul Marcus, president & CEO of the 91亚色 Foundation

The Government of Ontario also committed to investing in infrastructure by designating $780 million to colleges and universities to modernize faciilties and boost long-term research and skills training capacity.

By Jenny Pitt-Clark, YFile editor.

Republished courtesy of YFile 鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin.

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91亚色 launches commercialization presence in 91亚色 Region /research/2011/02/04/york-university-launches-commercialization-presence-in-york-region-2/ Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2011/02/04/york-university-launches-commercialization-presence-in-york-region-2/ If collaboration across industry, academic and public sectors is key to bridging Canada鈥檚 innovation gap, how do you make university research more accessible to the people and organizations who need this expertise? 91亚色 has answered this challenge by launching Innovation 91亚色 (IY). Strategically located in 91亚色 Region, IY is the public face and conduit […]

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If collaboration across industry, academic and public sectors is key to bridging Canada鈥檚 innovation gap, how do you make university research more accessible to the people and organizations who need this expertise?

91亚色 has answered this challenge by launching (IY). Strategically located in 91亚色 Region, IY is the public face and conduit between 91亚色 researchers and their applied research partners who will collaboratively grow their ideas and introduce new products and services to the marketplace.

Above: From left, Peter Pekos, chair of VentureLab;聽Markham-Unionville MPP聽Michael Chan; Frank Scarpitti,聽mayor of the聽Town of Markham; Ontario's Minister of Research & Innovation Glen Murray; Richmond Hill MPP Reza Moridi; 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri; and 91亚色 Vice-President Research & Innovation Stan Shapson

IY will provide commercialization and knowledge mobilization services to industry, public sector organizations and academic researchers while playing a strong role in supporting VentureLab, 91亚色 Region鈥檚 Regional Innovation Centre, which was officially opened yesterday by Ontario's Minister of Research聽& Innovation Glen Murray.

鈥91亚色 is proud of our partnerships with governments, academic institutions and industry,鈥 said 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor, Mamdouh Shoukri. 鈥淭his collaborative approach allows our researchers and industry stakeholders to engage and share ideas, a concept that complements 91亚色鈥檚 interdisciplinary approach to research and learning.鈥

Right: Click on the photograph to view a Flickr slideshow of images from the opening of the Markham Convergence Centre and Innovation 91亚色

鈥91亚色 is 91亚色 Region鈥檚 research and innovation university,鈥 said Stan Shapson, vice-president research & innovation. 鈥淲e have a critical role to play in collaborating with entrepreneurs, industry and municipal partners to develop new ideas, products and services that will help Ontario gain a competitive advantage in the global economy. IY鈥檚 presence throughout 91亚色 Region will make the world-class expertise of over 1,500 researchers integral to accelerating R&D growth and strengthening communities where people want to work and enjoy a high quality of life.鈥

IY鈥檚 location in the , along with VentureLab and other key collaborators, presents unique opportunities.

鈥淎cross 91亚色 Region, there are impressive sectoral strengths in information technology, environmental technologies and the life sciences, particularly in medical device technologies,鈥 said Shapson. 鈥淐ombined with Canada鈥檚 fastest growing and most diverse population base, this presents a particularly compelling case for innovation. Through our presence in 91亚色 Region, IY will be positioned to better understand our partners鈥 needs within the economic and social ecosystems they operate within as we explore new ways to work together to mutual advantage.鈥

鈥淭he strength of Ontario鈥檚 creative environment, diverse culture, highly skilled workforce, world-class education system, internationally recognized research community and proven entrepreneurs is second to none,鈥 said Murray. 鈥 links these talents together across the province to ensure all great ideas have the opportunity to flourish聽鈥 creating jobs and improving our lives now and in the future.鈥

As part of the province-wide ONE network, VentureLab will give entrepreneurs access to a broad range of experts聽鈥 including researchers, academics, businesses, government and investors聽鈥 who can help sell an innovative idea, bring it to the marketplace and grow a business worldwide.

Submitted by Elizabeth Monier Williams, research communications officer

Photos and video republished courtesy of Jenny Pitt-Clark, editor of YFile, 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin

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President's video highlights best of 2010, including Sherman Centre opening /research/2011/01/18/presidents-video-highlights-best-of-2010-including-sherman-centre-opening-2/ Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2011/01/18/presidents-video-highlights-best-of-2010-including-sherman-centre-opening-2/ A new video from 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri offers a welcome back message to students returning for the winter term.聽Building on the success of his fall welcome message, the president聽offers a recap of聽the major milestones and news events of the past term. In the high-definition video filmed in the Learning Commons at […]

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A new video from 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri offers a welcome back message to students returning for the winter term.聽Building on the success of his fall welcome message, the president聽offers a recap of聽the major milestones and news events of the past term.

In the high-definition video filmed in the Learning Commons at the Scott Library, available on the Office of the President website and聽, Shoukri聽congratulates some 2,000 students who graduated during Fall Convocation ceremonies. He also commends the Sherman Health Science Research Centre's opening and the induction of four 91亚色 professors into the Royal Society of Canada, among other student and campus achievements.

You can watch all official videos on the .

Republished courtesy of YFile鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin.

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Professor Ellen Bialystok accepts $100,000 Killam Prize /research/2010/12/15/professor-ellen-bialystok-accepts-100000-killam-prize-2/ Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2010/12/15/professor-ellen-bialystok-accepts-100000-killam-prize-2/ 91亚色 Professor Ellen Bialystok accepted the $100,000 Killam Prize for outstanding career achievement at a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa December 14, 2010. Bialystok, a Distinguished Research Professor in 91亚色鈥檚 Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Health, is known internationally for her research on language, bilingualism and cognitive development. The award was […]

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91亚色 Professor Ellen Bialystok accepted the $100,000 Killam Prize for outstanding career achievement at a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa December 14, 2010.

Bialystok, a Distinguished Research Professor in 91亚色鈥檚 Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Health, is known internationally for her research on language, bilingualism and cognitive development. The award was announced in April by the Canada Council for the Arts, which administers the .

One of the most important research prizes in the world, the Killam Prize is awarded annually to five eminent Canadian scholars for their distinction in health sciences, engineering, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Bialystok is being recognized for her work in the social sciences category.

Right: Ellen Bialystok

The first in her field to research claims of cognitive deficits in bilingual children, Bialystok discovered that bilingual children and adults have distinct advantages over unilingual people when completing both linguistic and non-linguistic tasks. Her research is now revealing that this advantage continues for bilingual people as they age; she is part of a team of Canadian researchers who recently uncovered that bilingualism can delay the onset of Alzheimer鈥檚 by up to five years.

Bialystok has also been recognized by the international linguistics community for her body of work on theories of language processing and on practical issues related to foreign and second-language education.

When the prize was announced, 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri remarked that the Killam Prize 鈥渞ecognizes Professor Bialystok鈥檚 groundbreaking contributions to psychology and confirms the international excellence of her achievements. Her success contributes to the growing national and international leadership of 91亚色鈥檚 faculty in health-related research as they respond to medical, social and environmental challenges facing Canadians and people around the world.鈥

Bialystok was awarded a Killam Research Fellowship in 2001 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In November 2009, she received the 91亚色 President鈥檚 Research Award of Merit in recognition of her research contributions.

Faculty of Health Dean Harvey Skinner commented that Bialystok鈥檚 work is changing our understanding of language acquisition and literacy, as well as cognition and aging, by using both behaviour and neuroimaging approaches. 鈥淗er research, and the collaborative research of many other faculty researching developmental and cognitive processes, reflects the Faculty鈥檚 goals of innovative research that helps keep more people healthier, longer.鈥

The Killam Prizes were inaugurated in 1981 with a donation by Dorothy聽J.聽Killam in memory of her husband, Izaak Walton Killam. The prizes were created to honour eminent Canadian scholars and scientists actively engaged in research, whether in industry, government agencies or universities.

Republished courtesy of YFile鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin

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President Shoukri names internationalization, online learning and changing demographics among challenges facing universities /research/2010/11/01/op-ed-president-shoukri-names-internationalization-online-learning-and-changing-demographics-among-challenges-facing-universities-2/ Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2010/11/01/op-ed-president-shoukri-names-internationalization-online-learning-and-changing-demographics-among-challenges-facing-universities-2/ 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri published an op-ed in the Toronto Star Oct. 29 exploring the challenges facing higher education and possible responses: We live in a time of unprecedented change characterized by ever-increasing challenges facing higher education. Evolving cultural and social environments, heightened demands for a postsecondary education, rising costs and expectations surrounding […]

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91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri published an op-ed in the exploring the challenges facing higher education and possible responses:

We live in a time of unprecedented change characterized by ever-increasing challenges facing higher education.

Evolving cultural and social environments, heightened demands for a postsecondary education, rising costs and expectations surrounding the role of universities, funding uncertainties and reluctance to accept change are some of the many obstacles facing postsecondary institutions. If Canadian universities are going to compete successfully in today鈥檚 global knowledge-based society, it is crucial they address these challenges.

At a recent conference in New 91亚色, I presented my views on the leading drivers affecting this change to the presidents of some of world鈥檚 foremost universities. In my opinion, these drivers are: internationalization, online learning, demographics, challenges to university autonomy and society engagement.

We live in a world where internationalization is not just a concept, but a reality. Societies have become increasingly interdependent; global economies and cultural interactions are the norm. For Canada鈥檚 future leaders to effectively contribute to this society, international experience is essential. As such, it is important that universities adopt internationalization as part of their mandate. This can only be achieved with both strong leadership from the top and grassroots involvement from all members of the university community.

Equally important is a broad, international curriculum that brings world perspectives into the classroom, which would offer international content combined with language study, and encourage student mobility with study and/or work terms abroad. Partnerships with foreign institutions so students can earn joint and/or dual degrees should also be explored and developed.

The information technology revolution saw the emergence of the so-called millennial generation. This new generation has access to vast amounts of information, demands more services via the web and expects everything to materialize instantaneously. The traditional model of teaching and the role of the instructor are being transformed, so models of course delivery will have to transform with it.

With the evolution of e-learning comes the need to expand access and share curricula with other institutions nationally and across the globe.

This will present a major learning opportunity, and a more efficient deployment of resources. In order to maximize this potential, a new credit transfer regime will need to be developed.

The growing recognition that a future career requires a post-secondary degree represents another challenge.

The Ontario government has implemented a goal of 70 per cent post-secondary attainment. During a time of budgetary constraint, small classes being taught by faculty who spend 40 per cent of their time teaching and the rest dedicated to research is no longer feasible.

Already, universities throughout North America are resorting to part-time teachers. A team of respected academic experts has offered several alternatives, including creating a new stream of faculty focused on teaching with limited research functions, and undergraduate-only universities. Ultimately, the current system will be difficult to sustain.

Now, more than ever, universities have a moral and social obligation to be directly engaged in social and economic development. This obligation extends beyond the core responsibility of simply educating citizens, and includes facilitating the transfer of knowledge from faculty and students to society.

But there are numerous issues to note. While universities must develop structures and policies that facilitate effective knowledge transfer, the impetus to create new products and services is the responsibility of the private and public sectors.

Additionally, the focus of the commercialization of the results of university research has been in the science, technology and medical fields, while it should also include deployment of new knowledge in the humanities, social sciences and arts.

Recognizing the last point, a number of universities have been developing 鈥渒nowledge mobilization鈥 units to facilitate the use of new knowledge by social agencies, government departments, industry and local communities.

Universities have stood the test of time because of their ability to adapt to the needs of society.

If Canada鈥檚 students are to become the leading thinkers in our global society, then universities will have to address the challenges, as they have done throughout the centuries.

Republished courtesy of YFile鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin

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Search committee seeks input on criteria for new VP research & innovation /research/2010/10/29/search-committee-seeks-input-on-criteria-for-new-vp-research-innovation-2/ Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2010/10/29/search-committee-seeks-input-on-criteria-for-new-vp-research-innovation-2/ The search committee to appoint a vice-president, research聽& innovation will soon commence a comprehensive international search for a successor to聽Professor Stan Shapson. The search committee will be drafting an advertisement to announce the start of the search, which will appear shortly in various publications and websites. In addition, the committee is working on聽a position profile […]

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The search committee to appoint a vice-president, research聽& innovation will soon commence a comprehensive international search for a successor to聽Professor Stan Shapson.

The search committee will be drafting an advertisement to announce the start of the search, which will appear shortly in various publications and websites. In addition, the committee is working on聽a position profile to describe the priorities over the next five years, and what they聽are seeking in candidates in terms of experience, background and qualifications. The committee is soliciting input on聽the following questions in order to help shape the position profile:

  • What are your aspirations for the VPRI portfolio over the next five to聽10 years? What do you see as the issues and challenges facing the University during this period?
  • What do you think the search committee should be seeking in a leader in terms of professional background and experience, personal attributes, qualifications and credentials?

91亚色 community members can聽send their confidential suggestions to the search committee by e-mail (see below) or directly to the search firm, no later than Wednesday, Nov. 3.

Search committee members:

  • 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri,聽committee chair,聽at聽mshoukri@yorku.ca,
  • Patrick Monahan, vice-president academic & provost, at聽provost@yorku.ca,
  • Osgoode Hall Law School Professor Allan Hutchinson, at hutch@yorku.ca,
  • Barbara Crow,聽professor of communication studies,聽Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), at聽bacrow@yorku.ca,
  • History Professor Jonathan Edmondson, LA&PS, at聽jedmond@yorku.ca.
  • Wendy Taylor,聽professor of physics and astronomy,聽Faculty of Science聽& Engineering, at taylorw@yorku.ca,
  • Roger Keil, directory of the City Institute聽and professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, at rkeil@yorku.ca,
  • Psychology professor Fran Wilkinson,聽Faculty of Health, at franw@yorku.ca,
  • Janusz Kozinski, dean,聽Faculty of Science聽& Engineering, at Janusz.Kozinski@yorku.ca,
  • Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues, chief of staff and secretary to the committee, at ijade@yorku.ca.

Or directly to the search firm, e-mail yorkvpri@jwasearch.com.

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International trade minister speaks at 91亚色 about opportunities in Asia-Pacific /research/2010/10/22/international-trade-minister-speaks-at-york-about-opportunities-in-asia-pacific-2/ Fri, 22 Oct 2010 08:00:00 +0000 /researchdev/2010/10/22/international-trade-minister-speaks-at-york-about-opportunities-in-asia-pacific-2/ Peter Van Loan, the federal minister of international trade, delivered the keynote address at a recent breakfast workshop and panel discussion of business leaders and advisers at 91亚色. Right: Peter Van Loan speaking at 91亚色 Van Loan talked about 鈥淐anadian Opportunities in Asia-Pacific鈥 at the event, which was co-hosted by Foreign Affairs & International Trade […]

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Peter Van Loan, the federal minister of international trade, delivered the keynote address at a recent breakfast workshop and panel discussion of business leaders and advisers at 91亚色.

Right: Peter Van Loan speaking at 91亚色

Van Loan talked about 鈥淐anadian Opportunities in Asia-Pacific鈥 at the event, which was co-hosted by and 91亚色鈥檚 Office of the Associate Vice-President International.

"Minister Van Loan delivered a very encouraging message on how much Canada is doing to promote free and open trade, and the importance we are once again attaching to the Asia-Pacific region,"聽 said Lorna Wright, 91亚色鈥檚 associate vice-president international.聽 "The panelists were able to offer the seminar participants advice from their own experiences of operating successfully in Asia-Pacific.

"One striking piece of information that many may not have thought about was given by Jill Anderson, president and CEO聽of Aecometric Corporation, a leading company in industrial combustion equipment," noted Wright. "She said that China is now a great starting point for moving into African and Middle Eastern markets.鈥

Left: President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri (left), Peter Van Loan and Dezs枚 Horv谩th, dean of the Schulich School of Business

Workshops such as these help Canada prepare for the November meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)聽group聽in Yokohama, Japan, said Van Loan. 鈥淎PEC meetings aim to strengthen trade and investment cooperation in the region. We have strong ties across the Pacific, and we want to increase opportunities for Canadian businesses in this highly dynamic region.鈥

The successful event was part of 91亚色鈥檚 continuing initiative to boost internationalization and awareness of international opportunities in business as well as research.

鈥淥ur University has built a strong reputation, both here and abroad, for the quality of our academic programs, for the calibre of our graduating students and for our outreach to and research partnerships with the business community,鈥 said聽 91亚色 President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. "This success is evident with聽our more than 240,000 alumni worldwide, many located in the APEC region, who are making significant contributions in this increasingly interconnected world.鈥

Republished courtesy of YFile鈥 91亚色鈥檚 daily e-bulletin

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