MONTREAL, May 31, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - As a proud sponsor for 17 years now of the Bourse Fernand-Seguin, one of Canada's most prestigious fellowships for scientific journalism, Merck would like to offer heartfelt congratulations to this year's recipients.
François Van Hoenacker was awarded the Bourse Fernand-Seguin by jury members for his article titled "Lorsque le logo de la CAQ goûte...le sorbet au litchi!" [When the CAQ logo tastes like...lychee sorbet!] Discussing the workings of the human brain from an unusual perspective, namely synesthesia, his article uses colourful and striking examples to explain sensory processing. The 29-year-old author holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, an undergraduate law degree and a certificate in journalism. He will be awarded a $15,000 bursary along with a three-month internship in scientific journalism.
"The Bourse Fernand-Seguin is a major stepping stone for young science communicators in Québec, having helped launch several journalists' promising careers. Merck is proud to be associated with this fellowship and to encourage young communicators to continue to popularize scientific knowledge, so that more people have access to the information," says Jennifer Chan, Vice President, Policy and Communications at Merck Canada.
"The Association des communicateurs scientifiques du Québec would like to acknowledge Merck Canada's contribution to the Bourse Fernand-Seguin. Merck has been a key figure in the growth of this competition for more than 17 years," adds Mathieu-Robert Sauvé, President of the Association des communicateurs scientifiques du Québec.
Merck Canada is committed to supporting young people who share its enthusiasm for research and scientific progress through various projects, such as the Science Fairs, which it has been supporting for the last 21 years, and the Bourse Fernand-Seguin. The company firmly believes in its commitment to the community. Merck's contribution to the Bourse Fernand-Seguin is a natural extension of its efforts to raise public awareness about science.
About Merck
Today's Merck is working to help the world be well. Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines, consumer and animal health products. In Canada, Merck markets more than 530 pharmaceutical, consumer and animal health products. Merck is a leader in a broad range of areas such as cardiology, infectious diseases, respiratory, vaccines, women's health and sun care, and is focused on expanding offerings in other areas, including virology, oncology and diabetes.
Based in Montréal, Québec, Merck employs approximately 1250 people across Canada. The Merck Canada manufacturing facility in Québec has been designated by its parent company as a Centre of Excellence for the global production of liquids, ointments and creams. Merck is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totalling $78.6 million in 2010. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca.
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Ani Armenian
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