Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
February 29, 2000
Nancy Olivieri to speak at U of G freedom forum
Dr. Nancy Olivieri, the medical researcher for Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children who drew attention to the issue of university research and corporate funding, will speak at the University of Guelph Tuesday, March 6, as part of an academic freedom forum.
The free event will be held at 7 p.m. in War Memorial Hall. It is open to faculty, staff, students, media and the general public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
A panel discussion to follow Olivieri's remarks will feature U of G Profs. Patricia Gentry, Biomedical Sciences; Ross Hallett, assistant vice-president (research infrastructure programs) and Physics; Keith Cassidy, History; and graduate student Jennifer Porter-Gibson, Geography. The panel will be moderated by Iain Campbell, provost and vice-president (academic).
Olivieri, an internationally acclaimed researcher affiliated with the University of Toronto, conducted clinical trials of a new drug and disclosed her findings over the objections of the company that funded part of her research.
The panel will explore research funding and academic freedom, including the relationship between researcher and corporate sponsors, whether corporations should define the terms of research, and who owns and controls the knowledge that is produced.
The event is sponsored by the U of G's Intellectual Freedom Forum, which was initiated by undergraduate students and was endorsed by staff, faculty and U of G's Senate.
For additional information, contact Frank Le at (519) 824-4120, Ext. 6742 or Roberta Mason, Ext. 3609.
