Dr. Trushar Patel (chemistry & biochemistry), who was named winner of the 2021 Biophysical Society of Canada Young Investigator Award in September, 2021, has earned a similar honour from the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences by earning the 2022 CSMB New Investigator Award.

Dr. Trushar Patel has quickly established himself as one of the country's leading scientists.

“Being recognized nationally through these highly competitive awards is a testament to the research environment and achievements that Dr. Patel has developed,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, the University’s vice-president (research).

Patel, who came to the U of L in 2016 as an independent researcher, earned a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics in November 2017. His lab, based out of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), has earned extensive funding support in recent years as it investigates a variety of viral diseases including Hepatitis and Flaviviruses.

“It has been very rewarding to watch the progression of Dr. Patel’s research career here at the University,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “From the outset he created strong research partnerships, pushed ahead with new and innovative areas of study and built a diverse and talented laboratory team. His contributions to his field of study have been consistently supported by funding agencies and he continues to be recognized for his efforts. We’re excited to see what comes next.”