Stroke researcher to lead Robarts Research Institute

London,ON - John MacDonald has been named the new Scientific Director for Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario, effective July 1, 2008.

One of Canada's preeminent stroke researchers, MacDonald joins Robarts from the University of Toronto, where he served as Chair of the Department of Physiology from 2001 to 2008 and runs a research laboratory investigating the cellular basis of neurological conditions such as stroke, pain, Alzheimer\'s disease, and schizophrenia

\"This leadership role at Robarts requires an outstanding researcher and a visionary leader,\" said Western President Paul Davenport. \"We are delighted to have attracted an individual of the stature of John MacDonald, and look forward to his arrival and to his leadership.\"

MacDonald will begin moving his laboratory from the University of Toronto to Robarts over the next six months, and he plans to recruit three new faculty members to the University over the next three years in order to round out his neuroscience research program at Robarts.

\"John MacDonald is internationally recognized for his excellence as both a scholar and a leader,\" said Dr. Carol Herbert, Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. \"We are fortunate indeed that he will be putting his energy and vision into building on Robarts\' strong legacy of medical discoveries and advances in human health.\"

That legacy began in 1986, with Robarts\' Founding Scientific Director Dr. Henry Barnett and his international investigation of the surgical treatment of stroke. In addition to changing surgical practices for stroke sufferers, Dr. Barnett made the groundbreaking discovery that daily doses of Aspirin reduce a person\'s risk of both heart disease and stroke.

\"I foresee Robarts becoming recognized as an international leader in the advancement of medical discoveries,\" said MacDonald. \"And I look forward to working with Robarts\' researchers, medical and academic partners, community supporters, local and provincial governments, and national and international collaborators to develop a new vision for this valuable medical research institute.\"

MacDonald holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia and has trained at the University of St. Andrews, UK, McGill University, and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. He is an active member of the Canadian Stroke Network as well as a founding member of NoNO Inc., a biotechnology company that develops stroke and pain therapies.

Contact: Anthea Rowe
Robarts Associate Director Marketing & Communications
519-663-3524