Edmonton, Alberta – Dr. Todd L. Lowary, a glycomics R&D leader, has been named the new Director of the Alberta Glycomics Centre, succeeding Dr. David R. Bundle.
Dr. Lowary, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta, has been a key member of the distinguished multidisciplinary team of researchers in the Centre, joining the group as a Principal Investigator in 2003, and moving into the role of Associate Director-Science in 2009.
Professor Lowary has gained world recognition for his outstanding career in research. He is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including the E. W. R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, an award for outstanding and highly promising university faculty members within 12-years of receiving their Ph.D. He was also elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“I look forward to guiding the Centre as it continues to grow, by building on the exceptionally strong foundation that Dr. Bundle’s built through his steady, visionary leadership over the past decade. With the many gains we’ve made in developing strategies to address infectious diseases, the Centre will continue as a critical part of Alberta’s innovation landscape,” said Dr. Lowary.
“Todd Lowary is the obvious successor to David Bundle. He is an outstanding and internationally renowned scientist. His leadership skills are well-recognised, as evidenced by the numerous national and international committees he has been invited to chair over the years,” said Dr. Gregory Taylor, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Alberta.
Dr. Lowary’s main research focus is on the development of novel therapeutics, carbohydrate-based vaccines and diagnostics against tuberculosis, a disease that causes approximately 1.7 million deaths per year worldwide.
About the Alberta Glycomics Centre
The Alberta Glycomics Centre (formerly known as Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science) is an Alberta Innovates Centre for Research and Commercialization. The Centre uses glycomics* to address complex health issues by exploring novel strategies to lead the development of new vaccines, diagnostics and other medicinal applications. Some of these novel applications include strategies to combat tuberculosis, Clostridium difficile, and other infectious diseases and foodborne pathogens. More information can be found at www.glycomicscentre.ca.
*Glycomics is the study of the role of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing biomolecules in biological systems. Carbohydrates play a critical role in many biological processes including biological recognition, cell-to-cell interaction, immune response, infection and inflammation. It is anticipated that the Glycomics field will lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics.
About the Alberta Innovates Centres for Research and Commercialization
The Alberta Innovates Centres for Research & Commercialization bridge the well-established research equity in Alberta’s universities, to Alberta’s key industrial sectors of energy and the environment, bio industries and health. The Centres are collaborative hubs where Alberta’s top researchers address pressing industry problems, support company R&D and train Alberta’s top students, providing a strong platform for Alberta’s place in the global economy.
The Centres for Research and Commercialization are supported by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, which plays a vital part in building healthy and sustainable businesses in Alberta. View Press Release.