Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
November 06, 2002
Former VP research receives national life sciences award
Larry Milligan, the University of Guelph’s former vice-president (research) and an animal and poultry science professor, has received a 2002 National Merit Award from the Ottawa Life Sciences Council (OLSC).
The award recognizes outstanding achievement in Canada’s life sciences sector and draws nominations from across the country. Milligan was recognized for his “leadership and contribution to agriculture and the bio-based economy.” He received the award Tuesday during the OLSC’s Ninth Annual Achievement Awards Dinner.
“I’m very surprised,” Milligan said of receiving the honour. “We are starting to see a significant upsurge in the understanding of bio-based business opportunities, and I am very encouraged by it; I think Canada has a bright future in the area of bio-based business. The work we have done so far at Guelph has set a foundation in this area and it has depended on the foresight and conviction of a great many people other than myself.”
Milligan joined Guelph’s faculty in 1985 from the University of Alberta, where he spent the first 20 years of his career. At Guelph, he was dean of research and later vice-president (research) for 16 years. Ge returned to teaching and research in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science in 2001, where he is working on numerous special projects. He has had an exceptional career as both a researcher and administrator, garnering an international reputation for his excellence and commitment to the life sciences.
Milligan is especially known for promoting collaborations among government, industry and universities, including the University of Guelph’s Enhanced Partnership with the then-Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in 1997, which has been held up as a model of creative, effective government-university liaison. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and has received numerous awards, including the Earle W. Crampton Award for Distinguished Service in Nutrition.
“Larry has always believed foremost in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence,” said Alan Wildeman, vice-president (research). “Whether working in his own discipline of animal nutrition or providing strategic leadership at provincial and federal levels, he has sought nothing less than the best for agriculture and life sciences in Canada. This award could not be more deserving.”
The OLSC is a not-for-profit local and international, private- and public-sector partnership committed to stimulating the growth of the life sciences sector. It strives to foster the development of new technologies and companies, as well as raise the profile of the local life sciences sector, both nationally and internationally.
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