Research chair to focus on head and neck reconstruction
December 3, 2002 - A $1.2 million research chair will enable cutting-edge research to develop more effective methods of treating people requiring reconstruction of the head and neck as a result of disease or injury. The COMPRU/Westaim/ASRA Chair in Interfacial Biomechanics will enhance the biomechanical engineering education and research currently being conducted jointly at the U of A and the Craniofacial Osseointegration and Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation Unit (COMPRU) at the Misericordia Community Hospital.
Funding for the chair comes from: Caritas Health Group $500,000, Westaim Corporation $350,000, and ASRA $350,000.
"The Government of Alberta continues to invest in research and technology that will have a positive impact on the lives of Albertans," said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science. "This new research chair reinforces our commitment to the future of the province, as we work with our partners to create an environment for world-class research and discovery in Alberta. It also builds on our previous support of strategic initiatives in this important area and complements the work being done by
organizations such as the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and Alberta Ingenuity."
“Capital Health is very proud of COMPRU and the leading-edge work it is known for,” adds Board Chair Neil Wilkinson. “The development of this chair is an important step in furthering treatment options for these patients and restoring their quality of life. Our partnership with the University of Alberta and Caritas Health Group continues to make this work possible.”
"Our commitment to research stems from a drive to be responsive and of greater service," says Bev Rachwalski, President of Caritas Health Group. "Through this important partnership with the university and industry, we are pleased to expand our multidisciplinary team and our knowledge base to tackle complex challenges and restore quality of life for those whom COMPRU serves."
“Westaim, through our NUCRYST Pharmaceutical subsidiary, has enjoyed a successful, long-term relationship with the University of Alberta,” said Tony Johnston, Senior Vice President, The Westaim Corporation. “We are proud to support U of A’s leading edge education and research in the field of biomechanics.”
“The University of Alberta is very pleased to partner with COMPRU, Westaim and ASRA in the establishment of this important research chair,” said Dr. Rod Fraser, President of the University of Alberta. “This unique partnership is an excellent opportunity to pool our resources for the long-term benefit of all Albertans and Canadians. We are grateful that the
University of Alberta will take a leading role in shaping our province's future in an area of great importance to us all.”
Biomechanical engineering combines engineering and basic sciences to solve problems arising in medicine and biology. Studying the mechanical properties of tissues of the body helps researchers understand how to reconstruct tissues and how to evaluate and improve the reconstruction’s success. Prostheses that reconstruct defects of the head and neck are often worn by attaching the prosthesis to implants anchored into the patient’s bones. Improved understanding of the mechanics at the interface between the bone and implant may help improve treatment success. The tremendous complexity and variety of problems associated with these areas require an interdisciplinary approach involving engineering and medical/dental specialties.
Dr. Gail M. Thornton, a U of A mechanical engineering professor will hold the chair. Among her proposed research and teaching activities are the development of new techniques to evaluate the quality of the interface between the bone and implant, the design of implants to promote bone incorporation and growth, and the creation of specialized courses in biomechanics emphasizing the bone-implant interface. This chair facilitates a permanent strategic link between COMPRU and U of A Faculty of Engineering, with the dual benefit of exposing engineering graduate students to the clinic and clinical fellows to the research laboratory.
For more information please contact
Gail Thornton, COMPRU/Westaim/ASRA Chair in Interfacial Biomechanics, U of A mechanical engineering professor, 780.492.5612; or Phoebe Dey, Public Affairs, 780.492.0437.
File No: 44
December 2, 2002
