The Government of Québec and the Gairdner Foundation form a partnership that will bring world-class scientists to Québec

MONTREAL, May 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Québec, announced today that the Government of Québec through Fonds de recherche du Québec- Santé (FRQS) has signed a three year deal with the Gairdner Foundation to enhance scientific programming in the province. The announcement, which was made in partnership with Dr. Janet Rossant, Gairdner's President & Scientific Director, demonstrates the government's focus on providing access to ground breaking research and signals its intent to cultivate and inspire future generations of scientists.

The partnership, a $300,000 agreement spanning the next three years will support student, faculty and public lectures as well as academic symposia throughout Québec. The Foundation, which currently provides student outreach and faculty lectures at more than 15 universities across Canada each year, will use the funding to bolster its current programming in Québec. It will also initiate a new public lecture series that will discuss scientific research at issue for today's citizens.

Quote: Rémi Quirion
The FRQ is very pleased to be associated with the Gairdner Foundation, which does an outstanding job in recognizing Canadian and international excellence in health research. In this regard, several Québec scientists are recipients of Gairdner Awards; among which Nahum Sonenberg, Brenda Milner, Phil Gold and Jacques Genest. The public activities to be organized throughout Québec due to this partnership will be an opportunity to enhance youth interest in science, to encourage scientific exchanges between universities, and to increase awareness of the impacts of research among the general public.

Quote: Janet Rossant
"FRQS' support will enable the Gairdner Foundation to provide students, faculty and the public access to the best biomedical researchers in the world. It will ignite passion in young scientists and provide ample opportunity for Québec universities, CEGEPs and healthcare institutions to secure new partnerships that will foster the growth of research and innovation. The Gairdner Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to work with FRQS to deliver programming that celebrates excellence, convenes leaders and inspires the next generation."

About the Canada Gairdner Awards:

Each year seven Canada Gairdner Awards are presented to honour the world's most significant biomedical and global health researchers. The Canada Gairdner International Award is given to five individuals for outstanding international biomedical research, while the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award is given to an individual leader in Canadian medicine. The John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award recognizes a contribution to health in the developing world. These seven awards both distinguish Canada as a leader in science and elevate the profile of science in Canada They are Canada's only globally known and respected international science awards. All laureates are chosen by an international adjudication committee and all choices are deemed final.

About the Gairdner Foundation:

The Gairdner Foundation was established through the pioneering gift of James Gairdner in 1957, a man who had always been active in the community and embodied a sense of social consciousness. He was inspired to make a difference and wanted to celebrate excellence in science internationally. Sixty years later and with more than 360 awardees from 30 countries recognized for their innovative work, the Gairdner Foundation has lived up to the original expectations of its founder. Of the Gairdner laureates, 84 have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The Canada Gairdner Awards promote a stronger culture of research and innovation across the country through our Outreach Programs including lectures and research symposia. The programs brings current and past laureates to a minimum of 15 universities across Canada to speak with faculty, trainees and high school students to inspire the next generation of researchers. Annual research symposia are organized across Canada to provide Canadians access to leading science through Gairdner's convening power.

About Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé

The mission of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé, which reports to the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, is to support health research in order to foster the wellness of Quebecers. Its mandate is to promote and financially support this research, to share knowledge and train researchers, as well as to establish partnerships necessary for the development of Quebec's research and innovation system and advance the research internationally. www.frqs.gouv.qc.ca

SOURCE Gairdner Foundation

For further information: Sommer Wedlock, Vice President & Director of Communications, Gairdner Foundation, [e-mail], Office: 416-596-9996 ext.202, Cell: 647-293-6785; Benoit Sévigny, Directeur des communications et de la mobilisation des connaissances, Fonds de recherche du Québec, [e-mail], 514.864.1619