TEACHERS FROM WINNIPEG, VANCOUVER, AND MONCTON RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCEThird annual BIOTECanada-Biogen Idec Awards presented during National Biotechnology Week 2008OTTAWA (September 22, 2008) – Three teachers from Winnipeg, Vancouver and Moncton received the third annual BIOTECanada‐Biogen Idec Teaching Excellence Award. Albert Chang, Robert Adamson, and Lawrence McGillivary were judged by a panel of industry experts to be the three top educators in a secondary school level iotechnology program. This program awards a total of $10,000 annually to the 3 winning teachers and their respective schools. “This year, our National Biotechnology Week celebrated education and we are extremely pleased to be able to recognize the contributions ofthese three individuals in instilling a love of science in students,” said Peter Brenders, President and CEO of BIOTECanada. “Biotechnology is changing the world around us in fundamental ways. Through their commitment and passion to teaching the latest biotechnology science, teachers are ensuring the next generation can understand and take advantage of these changes.” “Our business was founded on innovation. Building scientific knowledge in Canada is crucial to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs, and the work these teachers do builds that foundation,” said Richard Francis, President and CEO of Biogen Idec Canada Inc. “Biogen Idec is extremely proud to recognize the contribution of three teachers in raising the bar in scientific understanding i Canada.” The first place winner, Albert Chang, from David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver, receives $5000, to be shared with his school. Chang was recognised for the depth of his teaching program, which combines scientific theory and practice with the history of biotechnology, patent law basics, and media analysis, and for his significant mentorship of his students outside the classroom. Presented annually during National Biotechnology Week, the BIOTECanada‐Biogen Idec Teaching Excellence Awards honour three educators who have demonstrated excellence and leadership within their schools in teaching biotechnology.  Albert Chang featured here with Cate McCready of BioteCANADA (left) and Karimah Es Sabar of LifeSciences BC (right) CONTACT: Kasia Majewski, Director of Communications BIOTECanada 613‐230‐5585 x 257 cell: 613‐219‐2770 kasia.majewski@biotech.ca ABOUT BIOGEN IDEC CANADA INC Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idecʹs significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com. ABOUT BIOTECanada BIOTECanada is dedicated to the sustainable commercial development of biotechnology innovation in Canada. It is the national industry‐funded association with over 230 members representing the broad spectrum of biotech constituents including emerging and establihed companies in the health, industrial, and agricultural sectors, as well as academic and research institutions and other related organizations. ABOUT THE AWARDS The BIOTECanada ‐ Biogen Idec Teaching Excellence Awards are a unique national program dedicated to promoting and recognizing teaching of biotecnology at the secondary school level in Canada. It includes three annual cash awards, one for $5,000 and two for $2,500. The cash award would be divided equally between the winning teacher and his/her school. The school can use their portion to purchase scientific equipment or resource materials. ABOUT THE WINNERS Albert Chang, from David Thompson Secondary School teaches grade 11 and 12 students biology in a course that includes the history of biotechology, conducts hands‐on genetic labs including DNA extraction, antibiotic production, gene therapy, patent law basics and even computerized DNA analysis. Robert Adamson, Program Director for Science Partnerships at Fort Richmond Collegiate, has taken his biotechnology course division‐wide in Manitoba. His course focuses on teaching youth about the benefits and issues around emerging health technologies, and the use of biotechnology in agriculture, including its impacts on the environment and on improving the human condition and includes international biotechnology exchang placements in Germany and Australia. Lawrence McGillivary, Science and Technology Department Head at Moncton High school, has taught biotechnology as part of his curriculum for 9 years. Mr. McGillivary also created a lab‐based course to give students hands‐on learning in innovative ways, such as a “CSI” crime scene activity featuring DNA fingerprinting. ‐30‐ |
 Suite 900 - 1188 West Georgia St.
Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2 |