RiboClub Life Achievement Award

The winner will be announced in September during the Gala Dinner of the 2019 meeting.

The RiboClub is proud to present the nominees for the 2019 life achievement award in RNA Biology

Ben Blencowe

2013 – present: Banbury Chair in Medical Research, University of Toronto
2013 – present: Director, Donnelly Sequencing Centre, University of Toronto
2006 – present: Full Professor, The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto

“Professor Blencowe has redefined the study of alternative RNA splicing. He has pioneered whole-genome approaches, defined alternative splicing across evolution and set it in the context of a splicing code, discovered factors and processes controlling alternative splicing, and then discovered the extensive variation of the splicing of micro-exons in autism. His contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally and appreciation for them continues to grow. He is an outstanding citizen of the community, directing facilities and serving on national committees. He is a person of principle who appreciates the work of others and who encourages new people entering the field.” (quoted from the nomination letter by Phillip A. Sharp)

Benoit Chabot

1998 – present: Full professor. Dép. de Microbiologie et d’Infectiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec

“Dr. Chabot is an outstanding scientist, a genuine leader and is considered one of the pioneers of the RNA Biology field in Canada and abroad. His scientific discoveries have made lasting contributions which continue to this day to lead to remarkable advances in basic as well as clinical-translational science. During his career, he has also trained and mentored many bright young investigators. Today, they collectively form a thriving and driving force of excellence for RNA science in Canada and abroad. Benoit’s exceptional scientific vision and leadership not only led to major advances within the broad RNA biology field but also served as a driving force towards building capacity and synergy between various research groups and institutions across the country.” (Quoted from the nomination letter by Drs. Côté, Gallouzi and Simard)

Imed Gallouzi

2013 – present: Full professor, Department of Biochemistry and the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec

“Imed Gallouzi is recognized for identifying fundamental cellular signaling pathways regulated by the RNA binding protein HUR that is normally required for mammalian development and particularly in muscle maintenance. Using mouse model systems and patient samples, he has discovered mechanisms that through control of mRNA stability of key signaling molecules such as JAK-STAT influence cellular and mammalian metabolism. These findings reveal key modulation by HUR RNA binding proteins in cellular homeostasis and identify potential candidates for novel therapies in muscle wasting syndrome in cancer and in other human diseases.” (quoted from the nomination letter, by Michel Tremblay)

Stéphane Richard

2007 – present: James McGill Professor, Medicine and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC He is also Senior Investigator and Associate Director of Research at the Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research- JGH (LDI-JGH).

“Stéphane Richard is an international renowned molecular biologist and a world leader in basic research of RNA binding proteins and protein arginine methylation. He is known for his ground-breaking work on the development of antibodies and pre-clinical animal models to characterize RNA binding proteins and their methylation by arginine methylation. Using biochemical approaches and genetic mouse models, Dr. Richard has also linked RNA binding proteins to osteoporosis, obesity, multiple sclerosis and cancer. Dr. Richard is a leader in the field of arginine methylation where he identified the role of arginine methylation in RNA metabolism and the DNA damage response pathway with implications for new cancer therapeutics.” (quoted from his CV)