Two Professors Receive Society of Chemical Industry Awards
Two engineering professors have been honoured by the Canadian section of the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) for their contributions to the chemical industry. Professor Elizabeth Edwards (ChemE) received the Kalev Pugi Award, presented for specific R&D projects which have had a significant beneficial impact on the sponsoring company or on society. Professor Paul Santerre (IBBME) is this year’s winner of the Julia Levy Award, for successful commercialisation of innovation in Canada in the field of biomedical science and engineering. Established in 1881, SCI is an international interdisciplinary organization with membership in over 70 countries.
Elizabeth Edwards has achieved international recognition for her pioneering research on how biological processes affect pollutants in the environment. She received the Kalev Pugi award for her development of a bacterial culture called "KB-1" for anaerobic biological reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents. Developed with industrial partner Geosyntec, KB-1 has proven to be an effective low-cost solution for clean-up of these pervasive pollutants. Recently Professor Edwards’ research in this area was recognized with an NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation and a $10 million grant from Genome Canada.
Paul Santerre is Director of the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. He was recognized with the Julia Levy Award for the success of Interface Biologics Inc. (IBI), which he co-founded in 2001 to develop improved medical implants based on his innovative research in polymer chemistry. IBI develops novel biomedical polymers that enhance the safety and effectiveness of implantable medical devices through infection control and unique, programmable delivery of pharmaceuticals and biologics. Professor Santerre is a Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering and a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
We are extremely proud that the Society of Chemical Industry has chosen to honour two such deserving members of our community,” said Cristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. “These prestigious awards attest to the calibre and impact of our faculty’s accomplishments.”
The awards will be presented at the SCI Canada Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner on March 25, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Toronto.
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