1994 Winner: Alberta Pioneer in Science and Technology
Visionary Leave Lasting Legacy For Alberta’s Medical Community
As a researcher, teacher, administrator, mentor and visionary leader, Dr. Lionel McLeod worked with and touched many people, including many past ASTech Award winners. As Dean of Science at The University of Calgary, and later as the first President of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR), Dr. McLeod’s leadership attracted many other leading researchers to Alberta.
International Recognition
As the first President of AHFMR, from 1981 to 1990, Dr. McLeod guided the Foundation from its beginnings as a $300 million endowment to an acknowledged reputation as one of the world’s best medical research foundations. During his tenure, the AHFMR assisted in the recruitment of more than 150 world-class biomedical research scientists, the training of more than 3,000 investigators, the development of world-renowned biomedical research groups in Edmonton and Calgary, and the construction of impressive research complexes in both cities. Alberta enjoys a first class international reputation for its medical research as a result of this activity.
Exemplary Leadership
As Dean of Medicine at The University of Calgary, Lionel McLeod helped attract many of today’s academic leaders, and set a research and teaching direction for the Faculty which has been maintained by his successors. During his illustrious career he was also President, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; President, Association of Canadian Medical Colleges; Founding Member and President, Canadian Society of Nephrology; and Member, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Dr. McLeod was recognized for his efforts through honorary doctorates from the University of Alberta, Queen’s University, and The University of Calgary.
At the time of his death from cancer in April 1993, Dr. McLeod was Vice-President, Medical Services, University Hospital, Vancouver, and Executive Director, Health Care Research, The University of British Columbia. In support of his nomination, Dr. Larry Wang of the University of Alberta wrote that Dr. McLeod was “a gifted innovator whose vision and commitment have forever revolutionized biomedical research in Alberta. An exemplary leader whose personal warmth and humanity were only exceeded by his passion for excellence.”
