Major donation from Boehringer Ingelheim to boost capacity and discovery in growing field
As McGill prepares to celebrate half a century of research excellence in epidemiology, biostatistics and occupational health, it has announced the creation of the Albert Boehringer I Chair in Pharmacoepidemiology, made possible through a $3 million gift from Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Ltd.
Bridging the disciplines of pharmacology and epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology examines the use and effect of drugs to assess their overall benefits, as well as possible adverse effects, for defined populations. Establishing a Chair not only gives McGill’s Faculty of Medicine the means to fund a world-class scholar in the field, it also will help attract new, talented students and fellows to pursue research leading to improved treatments for diseases.
“We thank Boehringer Ingelheim for this very generous gift, which will enable McGill to continue to build the necessary capacity and research excellence in this important health sciences field,” said Principal Suzanne Fortier.
Christian Boehringer, Chair of the Shareholders’ Committee at Boehringer Ingelheim, said “We are honoured to support scientific excellence and the development of young scientists in Canada in the field of Pharmacoepidemiology with the help of a leading university like McGill University. This engagement is part of a global effort to support scientific excellence in research with the ultimate goal to create leading medication for patients in need.”
“This news is particularly welcome, as we mark the 50th anniversary of our unit,” said Dr. Gilles Paradis, head of the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health. “The Albert Boehringer I Chair in Pharmacoepidemiology, together with the new master’s, PhD and post-doctoral opportunities we will offer, opens an essential pathway and new possibilities in our research into population health, public health and evidence-based medicine.”
The Albert Boehringer I Chair in Pharmacoepidemiology is named in honour of Albert Boehringer I, who founded Boehringer Ingelheim in Germany in 1885.