Prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chair awarded to UPEI and AVC

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) confirmed its status today as a world leader in animal population health through the announcement of a new 10-million dollar research chair.
'This is an exciting day for UPEI and AVC,' said university President and Vice-Chancellor Wade MacLauchlan. 'The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology is the jewel in the crown of research we've developed here over the past two decades. This chair, together with its supporting team and network, responds to the expanding global demand for protein, notably for healthy fish from healthy aquatic ecosystems. This CERC will make a big difference.'
Dr. Ian A. Gardner, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology, will examine health interactions between farmed and wild fish populations and develop cost-effective testing strategies and surveillance programs for the prevention and control of diseases in aquatic food animals. His research will help aquaculture regulators in Canada make science-based decisions to maintain healthy food production in our marine environments, as well as provide the knowledge needed to help improve nutrition for human populations around the world.
The Canada Excellence Research Chairs program is an initiative of the Government of Canada to attract Canadian and international leaders who can positively contribute to this country's global competitiveness, future prosperity and well-being, as well as provide a deeper understanding of the human dimension of technological change.
'The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting world-class research,' said the Honourable Gail Shea, Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. 'The CERC program helps to position Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. The cutting-edge research conducted by these global leaders will spur innovation in Prince Edward Island and contribute positively to Canada's competitiveness and future prosperity.'
Dr. Gardner joins UPEI from the University of California at Davis. His published works are among the most cited in the world in his field of research. He joins AVC's Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research, a world renowned centre of research excellence in animal population health.
"The Atlantic Veterinary College is known around the world as a leader in veterinary epidemiology and fish health," said Dr. Gardner "I'm excited to be a part of this team. This is a new frontier of science that will make a difference in people's lives. This research deals with the health of our oceans, but is also about what goes on our plate at dinnertime."
Dr. Don Reynolds, Dean of the AVC, said the awarding of this chair speaks to the international reputation the AVC has as a leader in animal population health, with a specialty in fish health. It's that reputation that allowed UPEI and AVC to attract such a high-calibre candidate for the chair.
'Dr. Ian Gardner is among the best in the world for veterinary epidemiological research,' said Dr. Reynolds. 'Dr. Gardner will anchor our already successful and proven team here at the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI. With Dr. Gardner's expertise, we will define aquatic epidemiology. We will develop a new frontier of study and provide the knowledge needed to help improve nutrition for human populations around the world.'
The Honourable Allan Campbell, PEI's Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning - a partner in UPEI's aquatic research - was also on hand for today's announcement.
"By building partnerships between government and researchers, we are building a bright future for our province. Dr. Gardner's research on Aquatic Epidemiology meets a global need for knowledge about diseases that threaten our aquatic food animals, and his discoveries will benefit fisheries at all levels and help preserve our environment. "
UPEI's Vice President of Research and Development, Dr. Katherine Schultz, said this Canada Excellence Research Chair is the pinnacle of more than 10 years of unprecedented growth in research.
'This is outstanding. Dr. Gardner becomes our fifteenth research chair,' said Dr. Schultz. 'He joins eight Canada Research Chairs, and six endowed or industry-sponsored chairs. These are the best of the best researchers in the world, and they work every day with our students. The energy these people bring to campus is immeasurable.'