Parkinson Society Canada (PSC) is proud to award Dr. Ali Rajput, Professor Emeritus Neurology, Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, with the 2014 Donald Calne Lectureship. The lecture will be delivered on May 26th during the Canadian Association for Neuroscience’s (CAN) annual conference in Montreal, Quebec.
Dr. Rajput trained at the University of Michigan where he earned his Master of Science in Neurology. He joined the University of Saskatchewan in 1967, retiring from the university in 2002. He continues to pursue clinical practice and research.
In 2012, Dr. Rajput and an international team of neurologists and scientists discovered an abnormal gene in certain Saskatchewan Mennonite families that leads to Parkinson’s disease.
“This discovery paves the way for further research to determine the nature of brain abnormalities which this gene defect produces,” says Dr. Rajput. “It also promises to help us find ways to detect Parkinson’s disease early, and to develop drugs which will one day halt the progression of the disease.”
About the Donald Calne Lecture
Each year, PSC recognizes the achievements of a distinguished Parkinson’s neuroscientist of international reputation with the Donald Calne Lectureship. The honoree delivers a speech on the current state of Parkinson’s research, and often highlights their area of expertise.
Established in 2002, the award honours Dr. Donald Calne for his contributions to the Canadian Parkinson’s community as Professor of Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia and for his work as chair and long-time member of PSC’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Join us in Montreal
The annual CAN conference allows scientific and medical trainees to present their work and get valuable feedback from mentors and peers in their respective fields of research. The meeting will be held at the Montreal Hilton Bonaventure right in the heart of downtown Montreal.
Members of the international Parkinson’s community, including scientists, medical professionals, people with Parkinson’s and their families are invited to attend. Save the date for May 26, 2014 in Montreal. Space is limited. To RSVP contact Kathy Emirzian by email at Kathy.emirzian@parkinson.ca or call (416) 227-9700, ext. 3309.