Robert Burrell has received the Dr. Jonas Salk Award and an Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology award, in recognition of the impact of Acticoat.
Edmonton -A University of Alberta engineering professor who revolutionized wound treatment has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Jonas Salk Award.
Robert Burrell, who is chair of the department of biomedical engineering and holds the Canada Research Chair in Nanostructured Biomaterials invented Acticoat, a silver-based wound dressing in 1995 while working for Westaim Corporation's Nucryst Pharmaceuticals. The dressing is regarded as one of the most important advances in wound-care history, using nanocrystalline silver technology that speeds healing while fighting off infections.
Acticoat dressings improve the quality of life and save healthcare costs for patients with chronic wounds like diabetic and arterial leg ulcers, and help prevent chronic disability and morbidity in millions of people worldwide.
Burrell says winning the award-named after the man who developed the life-saving polio vaccine in 1955-is humbling.
"Jonas Salk was an interesting guy in that he was an MD who didn't practice medicine-he was one of the first MDs who went the route of research, and we are all beneficiaries of his work," said Burrell.
"All of the previous winners of this award have made significant differences in the lives of people who have suffered with disabilities or disease, so to receive this award is a real honour."
The award is presented by March of Dimes Canada and Sanofi Pasteur and is presented annually to a Canadian scientist, physician or researcher who has made a new and outstanding contribution in science or medicine to prevent, alleviate or eliminate a physical disability.
This is the second award in as many weeks for Burrell. On Nov. 12 he received the ASTech Award for Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology from the Alberta Science and Technology Learning Foundation, in recognition of the impact of Acticoat.
Burrell will accept the Salk Award from the Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation, at the upcoming Ability & Beyond Luncheon, taking place December 3 in Toronto.