OTTAWA, ONTARIO (October 4, 2006) -- The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Mr. Jrme Silvestre, President of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc., today announced the first three recipients of a CANADA-HOPE Scholarship. The scholarship recipients are studying healthy aging, organ damage and stroke research. The funding for this initiative was announced by CIHR in October 2005.
The three scholarships announced today are supported by the CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program. This joint program was developed and supported by CIHR via its CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program, in partnership with sanofi-aventis Canada Inc..
Under this program, during the first two years, the three researchers are mentored in Canada where they are exposed to some of the best Canadian science, laboratories and training environments. Their research projects will be transferred to their home institution when they return to India for the remaining two years of the program.
"Canada's new government is committed to forging new ways to develop international collaborative efforts between researchers," said Minister Clement. "The CANADA-HOPE Scholarship is an innovative program with the potential to lead to the development of sustainable research programs that benefit both Canadians and people around the world."
"CANADA-HOPE Scholarships offer an exciting opportunity for outstanding young researchers from developing countries to develop their research skills further in Canada." said Dr. Bernstein. "We hope that as a result of receiving these scholarships these researchers will establish productive research programs in their home country. Canada will benefit from their energy and skills and through the establishment of long-term relationships. "
The three recipients are: