1999-2000 Winner

Dr. Michael Smith
University of British Columbia
Winner of the Gordin Kaplan Award Lecture

CFBS is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Smith, University of British Columbia, is the recipient of the Gordin Kaplan Award fo trhe year 2000. Dr. Smith is a Nobel laureate, pioneer biotechnology entrepreneur and head of Canada's only gene-sequencing centre. Since winning the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1993, he has used his clout to become Canada's lead advocate for greater government support of scientific research. He knows what it takes to keep Canada at the forefront of science and to prevent our top brains from draining away to the south.

In addition to his profound scientific contributions, Dr. Smith has been a marvelous advocate for the importance of science education in the schools and the role of women in science. Dr. Smith became pro-active in both these areas. In the first instance, he visited many schools across Canada with the message that science is fun and that with all of today's societal problem, it is essential that all of us become more scientifically literate and understand the rudiments of scientific evidence. His easy-going manner, a sharp contrast to the public's image of the wild-eyed, woolly-haired scientist, made him an instant hit in the classroom. He chose to support the second area because of the gender-related hurdles for some scientist involving time-off to have families and the associated problems of maintaining grant structures and obtaining tenure. Universities and granting agencies have acknowledged his advocacy in these areas and have developed formal procedures to ensure fairness when women seek leave and tenure.

Dr. Smith has also been a wonderful advocate for the philosophy that the training and experience one receives as a scientist equips and indeed obligates one to play a central role in the technological and economic advancement of our communities. This belief had led him to active involvement as an adviser to practically every new Canadian government initiatives on the shaping of national policy with regard to scientific development. He has fulfilled this role superbly as well.

CFBS is proud to have Dr. Smith as the recipient of the Millennium Gordin Kaplan Award.