News Release | For Immediate Release | August 04, 2009
Paul Schaffer joins world-leading physics research laboratory as Deputy Head of Nuclear Medicine Division
(Vancouver, BC) -- Dr. Paul Schaffer has joined TRIUMF, Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, as Deputy Head of the Nuclear Medicine Division. Dr. Schaffer comes to TRIUMF with expertise in nuclear medicine imaging and therapy and was most recently lead scientist for organic radiochemistry at a global medical research firm in the U.S.
"We're thrilled that Dr. Schaffer has joined our team of leading researchers and scientists," said Dr. Nigel Lockyer, TRIUMF Director. "His extensive knowledge and experience in nuclear medicine and radiochemistry (the field of medical isotopes) will continue to keep TRIUMF at the forefront of innovation. It's another example of TRIUMF's ability to attract the world's best scientists to conduct research here in Canada."
Dr. Schaffer received his Ph.D. in chemistry from McMaster University in 2003 and is recognized as a technical leader for multiple efforts related to radiopharmaceutical development. He has worked extensively with medical isotopes such as Technetium-99m and Fluorine-18. At TRIUMF, he will be responsible for managing the new research and development component of the Nuclear Medicine Division as TRIUMF pursues a global-leadership position in the field as part of its five-year plan. The position manages a research program aimed at exploiting the science and technology capabilities at TRIUMF with an emphasis on the development and characterization of new radiotracers.
"I'm pleased to be coming home to Canada to join TRIUMF at one of the most pivotal times in the industry," says Dr. Schaffer. "TRIUMF is a long-standing Canadian research institution with world-leading science and technology and I'm excited to be part of the future of this laboratory."
The announcement of the addition of Dr. Schaffer follows in the wake of TRIUMF's participation in several international activities, including the inaugural Japan/Canada accelerator symposium in July. The symposium, held in Tokyo, showcased Canadian and Japanese accelerator research and discussed collaborative partnerships by the two countries. In June, TRIUMF's high-profile $6.3-million partnership with the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) from Kolkata, India took effect and is spurring developments in the study of materials and nuclei, cancer diagnosis, and medical‐isotope research.
The fundamental science conducted at TRIUMF is the foundation for discoveries that have enhanced the health and quality of life of millions of Canadians. By employing this science, TRIUMF is able to seed new high‐tech companies, create new biologically‐specific medications, enable the development of new materials, and advance computer technology.
ABOUT TRIUMF
TRIUMF is Canada's National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics. Located on the south campus of the University of British Columbia, TRIUMF is owned and operated as a joint venture by a consortium of the following Canadian universities, via a contribution through the National Research Council Canada: University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Carleton University, University of Guelph, University of Manitoba, McMaster University, Université de Montréal, Queen's University, University of Regina, Simon Fraser University, Saint Mary's University, University of Toronto, University of Victoria, York University.
MEDIA CONTACT
Dr. Timothy I. Meyer
Head, Strategic Planning and Communications
TRIUMF
Tel: 604.222.7674
Fax: 604.222.3791
Cell: 650.464.8955
Email: Tim Meyer