UBC researchers, alumni honored by LifeSciences BC

UBC cellular microbiologist Brett Finlay, known for his groundbreaking research into Salmonella and Escherichia coli infection, has been awarded the Genome British Columbia Award for Scientific Excellence by Lifesciences British Columbia.

The awards recognize leaders in the province’s life science community who have transformed the sector, and rising stars in research or business.

Finlay is recognized internationally for his work, and has won several prestigious awards including the EWR Steacie Prize, the CSM Fisher Scientific Award, a MRC Scientist, five Howard Hughes International Research Scholar Awards, a CIHR Distinguished Investigator, and the BC Biotech Innovation Award.

Zymeworks, co-foundered by UBC Science alum Ali Tehrani, was also recognized by Lifesciences BC as the province’s Emerging Life Sciences Company of the Year.

Tehrani, who earned his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from UBC in 2004, is president and CEO of Zymeworks. While completing his PhD he co-founded the Student Biotechnology Network, for which he received the UBC Faculty of Science Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2002.

"This year's recipients represent the tremendous research and innovation that's occurring in BC, and we’re proud to be showcasing their efforts," says Don Enns, president of LifeSciences BC.

"Their innovative and collaborative spirit has led to improved quality of life for many British Columbians, Canadians and others around the world. They are, without a doubt, representative of the great innovation here in BC."

The LifeSciences British Columbia Awards will take place the evening of Thursday, April 4 in front of an audience of approximately 500 guests representing the biopharmaceutical, medical device, bioproducts and greater life sciences community.