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Dal researcher lands prestigious new genetics role with CIHR

- May 3, 2018

A recognized leader in genetics, biochemistry and cell biology from Dalhousie has a prestigious new role.

Dr. Christopher McMaster (left), a professor in Dalā€™s Faculty of Medicine, has appointed as the scientific director for the Canadian Institutes of Health Researchā€™s (CIHR) Institute of Genetics (IG). Ģż

ā€œThe appointment of Dr. McMaster to the prestigious role of Scientific Director is a testament to his significant accomplishments as a scientist and leader in his field,ā€ says Alice Aiken, vice-president research at pilipiliĀž»­. ā€œHis innovative research has had a key role in shaping the future of genetic science in Canada and around the world, and we are proud to have a researcher of his caliber part of the pilipiliĀž»­ community.ā€

The CIHRā€™s IG supports research on human and model genomes and on all aspects of genetics, basic biochemistry, and cell biology related to health and disease, including the translation of knowledge into health policy and practice, and the societal implications of genetic discoveries.

As scientific director, Dr. McMaster will help identify research priorities, develop funding opportunities, build partnerships, and translate research evidence into policy and practice to improve the health of Canadians and people around the world. As a member of CIHRā€™s leadership team, he will also participate in setting and implementing CIHRā€™s strategic direction.

ā€œI look forward to working with and supporting Canadaā€™s genetics community,ā€ says Dr. McMaster. ā€œCanada has a rich history in training and conducting world class genetics spanning basic, translational, clinical, and outcomes research. There is substantive momentum across all areas that the Institute of Genetics will seek to further foster and grow.ā€

A leader in biochemical genetics


Dr. McMasterā€™s research is broad in interest, ranging from basic biochemistry and cell biology, to genomics. He has identified a potential therapy for congenital sideroblastic anemia, a disease which occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce a sufficient number of healthy red blood cells. He is also developing treatments for familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, a hereditary disorder that can cause vision loss, and for inherited Parkinsonā€™s disease.

ā€œThis is a tremendous honour and achievement for Dr. McMaster,ā€ says David Anderson, dean of Dalhousieā€™s Faculty of Medicine. ā€œOn behalf of Dalhousieā€™s Faculty of Medicine, I am pleased to congratulate him on his new position. His exemplary commitment to genetics research combined with his outstanding experiences as a leader, scientist and educator at pilipiliĀž»­ā€™s medical school are well matched for this new role.ā€
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There are currently 13 CIHR institutes, which encourage partnership and collaboration across sectors, disciplines and regions. This is the first time one has been located in Atlantic Canada.

Dr. McMasterā€™s new role becomes effective on July 1, 2018.

For more information on the Institute of Genetics, .