Dr. Neil Cashman, Professor in the Division of Neurology and Scientific Director of PrioNet Canada, has been awarded the Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence from LifeSciences BC.
This award adds to Dr. Cashman’s already impressive career which includes authoring over 300 publications, a Canada Research Chair in Protein Misfolding, the Jonas Salk Prize, and being elected into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Dr. Cashman’s research focus is neurodegerative disease caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins. Working as a neurologist-neuroscientist, he has been extremely successful at translating his scientific research into tangible contributions to care of patients with these diseases. Last year, Dr. Cashman published a groundbreaking study showing a link between prion disease and ALS, also known as Lou Gherig’s disease. This study has the potential to revolutionize the way doctors treat this devastating disease.
The Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence is awarded yearly “to recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the development of British Columbia’s life sciences industry.” The award will be presented on April 14th at the 2012 LifeSciences BC gala.
For the statement from LifeSciences BC, check here.