Biomedical Scientist to Give Gairdner Lecture
October 17, 2013 - News Release
A scientist known for his groundbreaking work on hepatitis C will speak at the University of Guelph Oct. 22 as part of the Gairdner Foundation’s National Program lecture series.
Daniel Bradley will share his award-winning medical insights and expertise during a free public lecture from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Pathobiology/Animal Health Building, Room 1800.
He was named a 2013 Canada Gairdner International Laureates. The Gairdner awards are among the most prestigious medical honours in the world and are known as early predictors of Nobel Prize winners.
“It is a wonderful opportunity, especially for students, to hear a lecture by a research pioneer who has made immeasurable contributions in his field," said Kevin Hall, vice president (research).
Bradley's research helped lead to the isolation and discovery of the hepatitis C virus, resulting in new diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In particular, preventive screening tests have virtually eliminated the spread of the virus through blood transfusions.
Bradley will discuss “HCV: The Discovery of a Shadowy Virus.” He is a consultant on infectious diseases and viral hepatitis at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Georgia.
Worldwide, chronic hepatitis C virus affects about 150 million people and can lead to liver failure, cancer and death. More than 350,000 people die each year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases globally.
The Gairdner Foundation was created by financier James Arthur Gairdner to recognize medical researchers. Each year, the Gairdner national lecture series takes award winners on a national lecture tour.
“Gairdner’s national program allows students from universities across Canada access to some of the world’s greatest medical scientists,” said John Dirks, president and scientific director of the Gairdner Foundation.
The goal is to promote a stronger culture of research and innovation across the country and inspire the next generation of Canadian scientists, Dirks said.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca; or Kevin Gonsalves, Ext. 56982, or kgonsalves@uoguelph.ca.
