Celebration of scientific innovation also featured unveiling of a new work by renowned Quebec artist-painter-sculptor-enameller Bernard Séguin Poirier

LAVAL, QC, May 15, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Healthcare leader Sanofi Canada today hosted "Destination Innovation," a major event at its corporate headquarters in Laval, Canada's Biotech City, to inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers

Bringing the event's theme, "Destination Innovation," to life, while highlighting Sanofi Canada's ongoing investment in the next generation of scientists and researchers, the company treated a group of exceptional students from Laval Liberty High School, Laval Junior High School, North Star Academy Laval, Trafalgar School for Girls and Collège Bois de Boulogne to a series of interactive presentations. Speakers included Sanofi leaders Jon Fairest, President and CEO, Sanofi Canada; Dr. Charles Hugh-Jones, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Sanofi North America; Dr. François Légaré of the INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) and David Saint-Jacques, astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), who rounded off the morning's inspirational speeches with a video message.

"Inspiring the scientific talent of tomorrow and giving back to the community are two of Sanofi's core values. 'Destination Innovation' is just the latest example of how we manifest those values and invest in the research of tomorrow," said Jon Fairest, President and CEO of Sanofi Canada. "Charles Hugh-Jones, Francois Légaré and David Saint-Jacques have all shared fascinating insights into a future of scientific discovery that will lead to the better management, and even the end of, some diseases. Sanofi welcomes greater government investment in education and in the youth of tomorrow, along with creation of a stable and attractive economic environment to allow biotechnology companies like Sanofi to bring global investment into Canada's research community."

A new artwork for the Laval Community

Also present at "Destination Innovation" was renowned Quebec artist-painter-sculptor-enameller Bernard Séguin Poirier, who unveiled a mural he created incorporating tiles prepared by Laval students in 2013 at the inauguration of Sanofi's new site in Laval.  Entitled Changing our world with science and standing at almost three meters, the mural now takes pride of place at the entrance to Sanofi Canada's Laval headquarters. "I am honoured to have been commissioned by Sanofi Canada to create this new piece of work as tribute to creativity and innovation in global science," said Séguin Poirier.

Overall, "Destination Innovation" was attended by over 100 students and professionals. For photos and video of the event and mural please visit http://sanofi.mediaroom.com/

About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi entities in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (cosmeceuticals, over-the-counter products and specialty care), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ close to 1,700 people across the country. In 2013 Sanofi companies invested $125,1 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

SOURCE Sanofi Canada

Image with caption: "From left to right: Dr. Francois Légaré, INRS; Franca Mancino, SANOFI Canada; François Pilon, MP, Laval-Les Îles; Jean Coupal, City Councillor, Ville de Laval; Bernard Séguin Poirier, artist; Dr. Charles Hugh-Jones, SANOFI NA; Jon Fairest, SANOFI Canada; surrounded by four students from the schools who participated in the event. (CNW Group/Sanofi Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140515_C8535_PHOTO_EN_40371.jpg