Research Excellence
Feature Article
New vice-president focused on making a difference
Dr Lorne Babiuk became Vice-President (Research) at the University of Alberta on July 1, 2007. Babiuk holds the Canada Research Chair in Vaccinology and Biotechnology. A dedicated researcher himself, Dr Babiuk is aware of the importance of research support. He hopes to enhance others’ research and help them achieve new levels of excellence. As the University enters its second century of existence, Babiuk wants to promote the development of interdisciplinary research collaborations.
Original: ExpressNews
Former University President Rod Fraser's (1995–2005) bold vision—that the University of Alberta be indisputably recognized in teaching, research, and community service, nationally and internationally, as one of Canada's finest universities and among a handful of the world's best—is being realized as we move through the 21st century.
The University of Alberta, one of Canada's most research-intensive universities, is very proud of the vitality and quality of research and scholarship activities of its faculty. The University has many researchers whose achievements in their fields are among the best in the world; however, they are not currently associated with a group of colleagues of sufficient size to constitute an area. Many of these researchers are Fellows of the Royal Societies or recipients of national and international awards. The collective effort of individual faculty members carrying out high-quality research and scholarly activity is the foundation of a truly outstanding research-intensive institution.
Simply put, internal recognition builds a community—external recognition enhances a reputation.
Acknowledging excellence is pivotal to the University's performance and doing so enhances the learning, discovery, and citizenship of the institution by increasing its profile and developing leadership, which, in turn, attracts talented people to the University of Alberta. Recognition of excellence also reflects positively on the University's numerous partners such as governments and industry.