Canada Gairdner award winning HPV epidemiologist to prime next generation of<br>scientists

    
    Montreal high school students given rare access to internationally
    renowned medical researchers at lecture hosted by McGill
    

MONTREAL, Oct. 23 /CNW/ - The woman who pioneered the way to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be speaking on Infections and cancer in a global world at McGill University Monday, October 26. More than 200 young science students are expected to attend the lecture, to learn more about Dr. Nubia Munoz's life and research as a cancer epidemiologist. Also lecturing will be 2008 Gairdner recipient and McGill professor Dr. Nahum Sonenberg, who discovered how cells translate genetic information.

The lecture organized by the Gairdner Foundation is part of a series bringing internationally recognized scientists to talk to high school students across the country. The program is designed to elevate both the profile of science in Canada and Canada's profile in science, and to inspire Canadian high school students to pursue careers in medical research.

Dr. Munoz's groundbreaking research proved that specific HPV types cause cervical cancer, and she worked tirelessly to have HPV classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC). The IARC classification contributed to the development of the HPV vaccine which is now available across Canada. For her efforts, Dr.Nubia Munoz is the inaugural recipient of the 2009 Canada Gairdner Global Health Award.

    
    What:  Gairdner Foundation lecture hosted by McGill University

    Who:   2009 Canada Gairdner Global Health Award Winner Dr. Nubia Munoz
           2008 Canada Gairdner Award winner, Dr. Nahum Sonenberg

    When:  Monday, October 26, 2009, 10:00 a.m.

    Where: The New Residence 3625, avenue du Parc, McGill University

    Speakers available for photos and interviews at the lecture.
    

For further information: Chantal Morin or Corinne Champilou, Edelman, [phone] ext. 237, 233, [email protected], [email protected]; Julie Fortier, Media Relations, McGill University, [phone], [email protected]