Media

OTTAWA, February 11, 2010  —  Dr. Pierre Berini, professor at the School of Information Technology and Engineering, has been awarded the University of Ottawa Chair in Surface Plasmon Photonics. Accompanied by a $20,000 research grant, the University of Ottawa Research Chairs (URC) are strategic tools of development established to recognize outstanding accomplishments in research.

Recipient of the prestigious NSERC Steacie Fellowship in 2008, Pierre Berini has explored some of the most audacious innovations in information technology such as finding approaches to using light rather than electrical signals in devices for telecommunications and computing. Potential applications include the development of sophisticated biosensors to detect cancer cells in blood or harmful pathogens in food and water.

“One of the most important parts of research and innovation is transferring our knowledge to others, particularly to students,” said Dr. Berini. “They are the key to advancement of our discoveries and the catalysts of tomorrow’s innovation.”

“Pierre Berini is among the many world renowned experts in photonics who chose the University of Ottawa as home of their research,” said Mona Nemer, vice-president, research. “This chair will foster the advancement of our expertise in the research and development of this thriving field.”

The University of Ottawa is committed to research excellence and encourages an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge creation, which attracts the best academic talent from across Canada and around the world.