UPEI's Canada Excellence Research Chair gets down to work

The University of Prince Edward Island officially welcomed Dr. Ian Gardner, the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Aquatic Epidemiology, today at a reception held on campus. Dr. Gardner takes up this prestigious chair, one of just 19 across the country, as a faculty member of UPEI's Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC).

An internationally renowned veterinary epidemiologist, Dr. Gardner 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 to 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.

'I was attracted to the position first because I've worked with the members of AVC's Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research for many years, and we have a similar vision,' said Dr. Gardner. 'I am also interested in research into international food production. This is work that will have a real effect on human health and welfare.'

"The Canada Excellence Research Chair is a new measure of UPEI's success in the big leagues of competitive excellence," said President Wade MacLauchlan. 'In welcoming Dr. Ian Gardner, we recognize that we have attracted a top international figure who will work in collaboration with others to extend the contributions of AVC and UPEI and make us a global leader in aquatic epidemiology."

As well as increasing research capacity at UPEI, Dr. Gardner's chair will increase and expand graduate-student training opportunities.

'The Atlantic Veterinary College and the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research are already world renowned for expertise in aquaculture-related research and population health,' said Dr. Don Reynolds, dean of the AVC. 'The arrival of Dr. Gardner expands our capacity and secures our leadership in these areas. This chair will make significant contributions to policies around healthy food production and the quality of protein available for human nutrition around the world.'

The Strategic Advisory Board for the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology, made up of experts from around the world, meets this week to set the research agenda for Dr. Gardner's chair.

'Dr. Gardner continues UPEI's growth in focused research excellence,' said Dr. Katherine Schultz, UPEI's vice-president of research and development. 'The University is ranked number one in the country for research income growth and intensity growth for the first decade of the 21st century. With new appointments such as these, we will continue to soar in the next decade.'