News Release

2009-10-29 11:30:20

New centre creates a hub for national research to improve health

WATERLOO, Ont. (Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009) - The Canadian Cancer Society and University of Waterloo are this week launching a new research centre. The Propel Centre for Population Health Impact will recruit leaders in research, policy and practice from across Canada to join the fight against cancer and chronic disease.

Propel will be based at the University of Waterloo, where more than 40 scientists and staff already work to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases, including diabetes, stroke, and heart and lung diseases, as well as improve the quality of life for those touched by cancer. Propel's initial focus is in the area of tobacco control, youth health, active living and healthy eating and quality of life for those affected by cancer.

"Strategic collaboration is at the core of how Propel will work, providing evidence to policy leaders, the Canadian Cancer Society, and advocates to help transform the health of populations in Canada and around the world," said Roy Cameron, Propel's executive director.

The new Centre builds upon the Canadian Cancer Society founded Centre for Behavioural Research and Program Evaluation (CBRPE) by bringing together staff from CBRPE and the Population Health Research Group (PHR) under Propel.

Waterloo and the Canadian Cancer Society are holding an event to officially launch Propel.

Date: Friday, Oct. 30

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: University of Waterloo, Lyle S. Hallman Institute North, room 2703

Members of the media are invited to join Feridun Hamdullahpur, Waterloo vice-president, academic and provost; Michael Wosnick, vice-president, research, Canadian Cancer Society and scientific director of the Canadian Cancer Society research institute; Roger Mannell, dean, Waterloo's faculty of applied health sciences; and Jimm Simon, chair of the board, Canadian Cancer Society.

About the University of Waterloo

In just half a century, the University of Waterloo, located at the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, has become one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities with 28,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Waterloo, as home to the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program, embraces its connections to the world and encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. In the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow. For further details, visit www.uwaterloo.ca.

Resources

Contacts:

Janet Janes, communications officer, Propel, 519-888-4567, ext 37764

John Morris, Waterloo media relations, 519-888-4435 or jmorris@uwaterloo.ca

Waterloo news release no. 102

2009-10-29 11:30:20