Four researchers at the University of Ottawa are among the first laureates of the Ontario Early Researcher Award program, formerly the Premier's Research Excellence Awards.
The awards, worth approximately $100,000 each, are part of the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund, created in 1998. The Ontario government is investing $30 million over three years into this program.
The recipients from the University are:
- Azzedine Boukerche, School of Information Technology and Engineering
Boukerche is developing interactive simulation-based technology for emergency preparedness and distributed collaborative virtual environments.
- Rees Kassen, Department of Biology
Kassen’s work on the experimental study of biodiversity has led to a rethinking of mechanisms responsible for patterns of diversity in nature.
- Daniel Gervais, Common Law Section
An expert in intellectual property law, Gervais is looking into the legal and economic criticisms of copyright norms, particularly in relation to the Internet.
- Dr. Marc Rodger, Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Rodger is a hematologist/epidemiologist whose research focuses on thrombophilia – a tendency to develop blood clots. He is trying to develop new therapies for people suffering from this condition, which affects one in six people.