Stem Cell Network Welcomes Three New Board Members

October 20, 2022 (Ottawa) – Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN) is pleased to announce the appointments of Nadine Beauger, Michael Kallos and Reza Moridi to its Board of Directors.

“Nadine, Michael and Reza bring a wealth of diverse experience and expertise in their respective fields and will be tremendous assets to the Network as we continue to drive research from bench to bedside and unlock the economic potential of the regenerative medicine sector in Canada,” said said Declan Hamill, Chair of the SCN Board of Directors. “I welcome them all and look forward to their contributions over the coming years.”

SCN’s Board of Directors provides oversight for strategic planning, annual budgets, performance management and risk mitigation. It is also responsible for confirming the research funding recommendations of SCN’s Research Management Committee and ensuring due diligence has been met in reviewing all research funding applications. Directors serve for three-year terms with an option to renew for a second three-year term.

Dr. Nadine Beauger is President and CEO of IRICoR, a Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research specializing in drug discovery in oncology and related areas, based at IRIC/University of Montreal. IRICoR supports selected projects from across Canada, helping academics bring innovative therapeutic solutions to the market faster. She holds an MBA, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, an M.Sc. in Cellular Biopathology, and a B.Sc. in Anatomy. Full Bio.

Dr. Michael Kallos is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering and Inaugural Department Head, as well as Adjunct in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy in the Cumming School of Medicine, and Associate Director of the Pharmaceutical Production Research Facility, all at the University of Calgary. He is a Professional Engineer registered with APEGA. Full Bio.

Reza Moridi served as Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, and Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. He also served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, and the Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Education, Skills and Economy. Reza was instrumental in transforming the innovation ecosystem in Ontario. He holds a BSc, MSc, MTech and PhD. He was a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Physicist. Full Bio.

“I am honoured to welcome Nadine, Michael and Reza to the Board of Directors,” said Cate Murray, President and CEO of SCN. “The SCN Board is passionate and committed to the future of stem cell and regenerative medicine research in Canada, and together I look forward to charting our next chapter.”

Over the next month, SCN will be getting to know each new board member through video interviews across its social media channels. Follow along and join SCN in welcoming Nadine, Michael and Reza to the Network!

SCN also wishes to acknowledge and thank Debra Lynkowski, Chief Operating Officer, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; Stéphanie Michaud, President & CEO, BioCanRx; and Deborah Gordon-El-Bihbety, President and CEO of Research Canada for their contributions and longstanding service as Board members, all of whom recently retired from SCN’s Board.

For a full list of SCN’s Board members and biographies, visit: https://stemcellnetwork.ca/about-us/governance/

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About the Stem Cell Network: The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 230 world-class research groups, supporting over 225 research projects and more than 25 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 20 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 5,000 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period.

Media Contact:
Samantha Rae Ayoub
Vice President, Communications & Knowledge Mobilization
srae@stemcellnetwork.ca

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