- Sajeev Kohli, a Grade 11 student from Waterloo, Ontario, receives top honours in the Global Healthcare Challenge
LAVAL, QC, June 7, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Sajeev Kohli, a grade 11 student science prodigy from Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School in Waterloo, Ontario and the 2018 Sanofi Biogenius Canada national champion, has earned the grand prize in the Global Healthcare Challenge at the prestigious International BioGENEius Challenge in Boston.
The preeminent student biotechnology competition in the world, the International BioGENEius Global Healthcare Challenge recognizes projects focused on healthcare and medical biotechnology that seek to produce breakthrough products and technologies that meet the most pressing needs. Sajeev was selected from among 14 other finalists from across the United States, Canada and Germany by an illustrious panel of industry and academic experts. The award includes a cash prize of $7,500 USD.
Sajeev was recognized for his research project entitled "Recruiting Endogenous Proteins for Site Specific Transport: A Novel Workflow for Gene Carrier Design." His work, realized with the support of mentor Dr. Pu Chen, Canada Research Chair in Biomanufacturing at the University of Waterloo, seeks to develop cost-effective medication that could reduce the side effects of cancer treatment by selectively targeting malignant cells. His project could potentially impact the hundreds of thousands of Canadian patients with cancer, the leading cause of death in Canada.
"Sajeev has truly distinguished himself, both as the winner of the 2018 Sanofi Biogenius Canada competition, and now with this well-deserved international recognition. His research and drive to innovate is a true symbol of the depth and calibre of scientific talent in Canada," said Niven Al-Khoury, President of Sanofi Canada. "Sanofi strongly believes in empowering our country's next generation of innovators. For almost 25 years, we have been proud to support a program that pairs promising young researchers with mentors who will help them realize their greatest potential and showcase their work on the national and international stage. Congratulations, Sajeev, on this wonderful accomplishment."
About Sanofi Biogenius Canada (SBC)
Sanofi Biogenius Canada is a national science research competition open to high school students, which, since its inaugural edition in 1993, has helped over 6,000 young Canadians pursue real-world scientific research projects that have been the launch pads to future studies and careers. Coordinated by Partners In Research, the initiative's founding sponsor is Sanofi Canada. Other sponsors include the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD).
For details, visit biogenius.ca or follow SBC on Facebook (SanofiBiogenius) or Twitter (@biogeniusca) using the hashtag #SBC2018.
About the International BioGENEius Challenge
The Global Healthcare Challenge is focused on health care and medical biotechnology, one of three tracks making up the International BioGENEius Challenge, an annual competition that brings together talented student from the United States, Canada and Germany. The BioGENEius Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute, an independent, U.S. based nonprofit organization dedicated to education about the present and future impact of biotechnology. Its mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about biotechnology and its immense potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems. For more information, visit www.biotechinstitute.org.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.
Sanofi entities in Canada employ more than 2,000 people. In 2017, we invested $131.4 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.
Follow us on Twitter @SanofiCanada and on YouTube.
Sanofi, Empowering Life
SOURCE Sanofi Canada
