Science met Hollywood at star studded affair

The Leaders in Innovation Dinner was a star-studded event in more ways than one. Assuming the honours were Dr. V. Reggie Edgerton, the 2012 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize recipient and noted "research rock star", as well as Alec Baldwin, stage and screen actor, author and philanthropist. The dinner was the final event in a day that is steeped in tradition, recognizing outstanding international research.

Activities got underway early in the day, as the 2012 Taylor Symposium was presented. This year, the research focus was spinal cord injury, and five scientists from across Canada and the US made presentations sharing their latest findings. Dr. Edgerton, whose groundbreaking research has pioneered the rehabilitation strategy of treadmill training after a spinal cord injury and the added benefits of epidural electrical stimulation, was the keynote session for the afternoon portion of the Symposium.

A Public Forum in Spinal Cord Injury was next on the agenda for the day. Kim Anderson-Erisman, PhD Director of Education, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis served as moderator for a panel of distinguished researchers.

Researchers and community members then gathered at the London Convention Centre to celebrate Robarts Research Institute and the spinal cord injury team which includes Arthur Brown, Greg Dekaban, Paula Foster, and Lynne Weaver. During a special reception, Alec Baldwin and guests exchanged stories about their interest in spinal cord injury research, memories of Christopher Reeve, and much more.

The evening was highlighted with the presentation of the 2012 J. Allyn Taylor Prize in International Medicine to Dr. Edgerton. On hand to share remarks on behalf of the Taylor family was Andrew Graham, the eldest grandchild of the late J. Allyn Taylor. Barbara Turnbull, noted spinal cord injury research advocate, presented the prize to Dr. Edgerton.

Master of Ceremonies, Heather Hiscox, was then joined on stage by Alec Baldwin. The masterful interview provided guests with a unique opportunity to learn more about Mr. Baldwin's personal connection to spinal cord injury research, his views on politics, health care, and philanthropy, as well as enjoy his tremendous sense of humour. Switching things up a bit, Baldwin then interviewed Dr. Michael J. Strong, Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry about research funding, the future hope for research, and philanthropy.

The evening concluded on a high note, as Strong presented Baldwin with a Western hockey jersey and a purple toque!