MaRS Chair Awarded Friesen International Prize in Health Research
Montreal – Sept. 19, 2007 – Dr. John R. Evans, the creative genius behind the landmark McMaster University Medical School and Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District, was awarded the 2007 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research today in recognition of his exceptional leadership, vision and innovation.
The annual Friesen International Prize recognizes a visionary and groundbreaking medical scientist who has impacted significantly the way the health sector functions worldwide. The award is given by the Friends of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Dr. Evans’ contributions began with his revolutionary development of the McMaster Medical School model in the early 70s where he became founding Dean at the young age of 35.
The McMaster Medical School was considered radical in its day, and often laughed at, by more traditional programs until finally the model caught the attention of Harvard University, which changed its medical school curriculum to match the innovative McMaster model.
“Dr. John Evans is a remarkable visionary in Health Research,” said Dr. Aubie Angel, President of the Friends of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research said. “From the founding of the McMaster Medical School to his presidency at the University of Toronto and his service with international health initiatives, founding chair of the Canada Foundation for Innovation and now his leadership in the MaRS project, Dr. Evans has been the outstanding Canadian medical leader of his generation. We are proud, along with our colleagues in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, to honour Dr. Evans with the 2007 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research.”
Dr. Evans, who is Chair of the Board at MaRS, delivered a keynote address at a public forum in Montreal today following his acceptance of the award. To read more about his lecture – titled The Infinite Horizon of Health Research: Is Canada visible?” – check out the MaRS blog.
For more information on the Friesen prize or public forum, please contact:
Kathryn Hendrick (416) 277-6281
Marilyn Williams (204) 770-6912
Cristina S. Castellvi (416) 506-1597
MaRS FACTS
MaRS is part of many networks and consortia, but it did not emanate from any pre-existing partnership. MaRS is a new and autonomous entity.
MaRS BLOG
- Top stem cell scientist, Yamanaka, chooses Ontario
- Today’s Pick: Evolution under the microscope
- One man’s garbage is another man’s gold…