BC Industry News
Unique New National Teacher Award Program to Recognize Outstanding Bioscience Educators
September 27, 2005
Award launched today in conjunction with National Biotechnology Week
OTTAWA, Sept. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - BIOTECanada and Biogen Idec Canada are pleased to announce the launch of a new program dedicated to celebrating teaching excellence in biosciences.
The "Biogen Idec/ BIOTECanada National Teaching Excellence Award" is a unique award program dedicated to promoting and recognizing bioscience teaching at the secondary school level in Canada. It includes three annual cash awards, one for $5,000 and two for $2,500. These awards will be shared by the winning teachers and their respective schools.
The new program launched today - on the first day of the 2nd Annual National Biotechnology Week, September 26-30 - recognizes the important contributions that bioscience educators provide to Canadian students. "Teachers play an integral role in encouraging and mentoring the next generation of bioscience leaders. We want to recognize them for their creativity in the classroom, curriculum development, and for fostering awareness of biotechnology," said Rob Hamilton, President, Biogen Idec Canada Inc.
All submissions will be adjudicated by a national selection committee in May 2006, with the inaugural winners to be announced during National Biotechnology Week 2006 next September.
"We have a number of national award programs in this country honouring students of biotechnology. Last year, the national law firm Gowling Lafleur Henderson launched a student essay scholarship program. The Council for Biotechnology Information awards its 'Young Scientist Footsteps Award' to post- graduate students making strides in agricultural research. And the annual 'Sanofi-Aventis Biotech Challenge' holds regional competitions throughout the year with cash prizes for winning student teams conducting research projects in an area of biotech," said BIOTECanada President and CEO, Peter Brenders.
"Now it's the teachers' turn to be recognized. Educators make important contributions in numerous ways, such as ensuring the biotechnology industry continues to attract talented and bright people," he added. "We are very pleased to launch this program in partnership with Biogen Idec Canada in order to recognize the dedication and commitment teachers bring to their classrooms each day."
About National Biotechnology Week
BIOTECanada and a variety of partners from the Canadian research and innovation community will host a series of events designed to increase public awareness and showcase Canadian biotechnology innovation, its potential and its people. Join in the celebration!
National partners include the National Biotechnology Accord - regional and provincial biotech associations-, and our partners: AMGEN, AstraZeneca, Biogen Idec Canada Inc., Genzyme, GlaxoSmithKline, KPMG, Pioneer Hi-Bred, QLT Inc., Roche, Sanofi Pasteur Limited.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in oncology and immunology. As a global leader in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of novel therapies, Biogen Idec transforms scientific discoveries into advances in human healthcare. For press release and additional information about the company, please visit: www.biogenidec.com
About BIOTECanada
BIOTECanada is the national association representing the broad spectrum of biotech constituents including the health, agricultural, environment, and industrial sectors, as well as academic and research institutions and other organizations dedicated to the long term and sustainable development of biotechnology, its practices and products. www.biotech.ca
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For further information: Cate McCready, V.P. External Relations, BIOTECanada, (613) 230-5585 ext. 230; Rhowan Sivel, Manager, Communications & Marketing, BIOTECanada, (613) 230-5585 ext. 226.
