Nobel laureate to lecture at Ontario's newest university

Oshawa, Ont. - Dr. John C. Polanyi, Nobel laureate in Chemistry (1986), and one of Canada's most distinguished scientists, will deliver a public lecture on May 6 at Ontario's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

The Faculty of Science's inaugural Distinguished Lecture, "How Discoveries Are Made and Why It Matters," is an enlightened presentation by Dr. Polanyi based on his talk as part of a Canada-Sweden centennial celebration of the Nobel Prize held at the University of Toronto in 2001. In this inspiring discourse, Dr. Polanyi will share his valuable experiences and perspectives on discovery and the world of science.

Dr. Polanyi was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing a new field of research in chemistry - reaction dynamics - which has provided a much more detailed understanding of how chemical reactions take place.
Dr. Polanyi studied at the University of Manchester, England, where he obtained his B.Sc. in 1949, a MSc in 1950, a PhD in 1952, and a DSc in 1964. From 1952-1954 he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Research Council Laboratories in Ottawa, and Research Associate at Princeton University from 1954-1956.

The world-renowned scientist has a long history at the University of Toronto, appointed as Lecturer in 1956, and serving as Assistant Professor (1957-1960), Associate Professor (1960-1962), Professor (1962-1974), and University Professor (since 1974).

He has served on the Prime Minister of Canada's Advisory Board on Science and Technology; the Premier's Council of Ontario, as Foreign Honorary Advisor to the Institute for Molecular Sciences, Japan; and as Honorary Advisor to the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, Germany. He is presently on the Board of the Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, Canada.
His long list of accolades includes the Royal Medal of the Royal Society of London, and over 30 honorary degrees from six countries.

Members of the community and the media are invited to attend this presentation at Ontario's newest university.

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As Ontario's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused degree undergraduate programs and is developing leading-edge research and graduate programs. Sharing selected services with Durham College, the university welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca, or call 1.866.844.8648.

A reception will follow the lecture.

RSVP by April 29, 2004 by e-mail: rsvp1@uoit.ca or call 905.721.3111 ext. 2117.

For more information about Dr. Polanyi visit www.utoronto.ca/jpolanyi.

For more information about UOIT's Faculty of Science visit http://www.science.uoit.ca/EN/.

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About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Oliver Fernandez
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111, ext. 2513
oliver.fernandez@uoit.ca