Toronto, October 23, 2012 – York University is pleased to host top medical researcher and 2012 Canada Gairdner Award-winner Dr. Michael Rosbash as part of Gairdner’s National Program lecture series celebrating biomedical science. He will be presenting a lecture based on his research, titled “Circadian rhythms: Molecules, neurons and circuits.” Among the world’s most important biomedical research awards and a source of national pride, the Awards are a major indicator of leading scientific discovery.
Michael Rosbash, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Recognized for seminal discoveries or contributions to medical science with a 2012 Canada Gairdner International Award
The challenge: We’ve known for centuries that our bodies are controlled by a biological clock, but how that biological clock works has remained a mystery. How does this internal clock guide our bodies through the day?
The work: These scientists discovered how our circadian clock – commonly known as our biological clock – ticks. Circadian clocks are active throughout the body’s cells, where they use a common genetic mechanism to control the rhythmic activities of various tissues.
Why it matters: Circadian clocks affect patterns of sleep and wakefulness, metabolism, and our response to disease. Understanding how the biological clock works has already allowed scientists to pinpoint irregularities in important sleep disorders.
“The opportunity to learn from the world’s greatest medical minds is one we hope will inspire students across the country to be imaginers, innovators, and ultimately, cultivators of the future of medicine in Canada and around the world,” said Dr. John Dirks, President and Scientific Director of Gairdner. “Gairdner’s National Program is our way of helping to ensure that Canada continues to grow as a global leader in medical science.”
The Gairdner National Program is a month-long lecture series given by Canada Gairdner Award winners to over 6,000 students at 21 universities from St John's to Vancouver. The National Program reaches students across the country, making the superstars of science accessible and inspiring the next generation of researchers. Along with the Canada Gairdner Awards, the National Program is part of Gairdner's efforts to promote a stronger culture of research and innovation across the country.
WHAT: 2012 Canada Gairdner Lecture – Dr. Michael Rosbash, “Circadian rhythms: Molecules, neurons and circuits”
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1:30 to 2:30pm
WHERE: York University Senate chamber, Ross N920, Keele campus
MAP: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/maps/keele.htm
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About York University
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
The Gairdner Foundation: Making Science Matter
The Canada Gairdner Awards were created in 1959 to recognize and reward the achievements of medical researchers whose work contributes significantly to improving the quality of human life. They are Canada's only globally known and respected international science awards, and Gairdner is the only national organization that consistently brings the world's best biomedical researchers to Canada to share their ideas and work with scientists across the country. In so doing, it enlarges networks and enhances Canada's international reputation, while providing a realistic and unbiased benchmark for Canada's leading scientists.
Media Contact:
Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22097 / rheron@yorku.ca
