Western researchers and alumni are highlighted among 50 “game-changing” innovations at Ontario universities, identified by Research Matters, a collaborative project involving Ontario’s 21 publicly assisted universities. The Western-connected accomplishments includ:
- Discovering the Power of Grapefruit (1991). Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. David Bailey proved grapefruit can affect the way your body metabolizes drugs, the first discovery that what we eat can affect drug effectiveness;
- Defining Wind Engineering (1965). Engineering professor Alan Davenport defined the modern field of wind engineering by developing an equation to measure wind loads, making building structures safer and more economical;
- Preventing Strokes (1978). Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor and Robarts Research Institute founder Henry Barnett led the global study that demonstrated Aspirin could prevent strokes, creating new possibilities for the treatment and prevention of heart disease;
- Treating Diabetes (1921). Frederick Banting, Charles Best, J.J.R. Macleod and J.B. Collip developed insulin to treat diabetes, a life-saving discovery for millions that Banting conceived at Western; and
- Understanding the Present (2002). Magaret MacMillan, LLD’12, has demonstrated the past’s influence on current international politics and how history can suggest solutions for today’s issues.
All 50 contributions were be highlighted at the Ontario and Canada Research Chairs Symposium this week in Toronto.
To vote for your favourite, visit the full list at yourontarioresearch.ca/game-changers.