Science Journalism :: Press Release :: Sid Katz Appointed Scientist-in-Residence

August 10, 2007

Prof. Sid Katz appointed first Scientist-in-Residence at UBC School of Journalism

The UBC School of Journalism is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Sid Katz as the school’s first Scientist-in-Residence, the latest development of its science journalism initiative.

Dr. Katz, a noted UBC science educator, journalist, and professor of pharmacology, has long supported the development of the School of Journalism and, in particular, its emphasis on science journalism. As scientist-in-residence for the academic year 2007-2008, Prof. Katz will teach and assist students with their research and thesis projects. He will advise the school’s Science Journalism Research Group as it carries out a four-year investigation into the public communication of controversial science.

“I am delighted that Prof. Katz will bring his tremendous skills as scientist, teacher, and journalist to our school,” said Prof. Stephen J. A. Ward, director of the School of Journalism. “He will be of invaluable assistance to both our researchers and graduate students. This appointment will further enhance our school’s reputation as a leader in science journalism education.”

The science journalism initiative at the graduate School of Journalism includes research into science journalism on controversial issues, such as genomics. The research is part of a larger brain disorder study, the Pleiades Promoter Project, funded by Genome Canada. The school’s research is carried out by the Science Journalism Research Group, directed by Prof. Ward. For more information on the Pleiades Promoter Project and the research group, see www.pleaides.org and www.sciencejournalism.net. The initiative also includes a science journalism course, scholarships, publications, public events, and conferences.

“I am really pleased that the UBC School of Journalism has established the science journalism initiative,” said Prof. Katz. “I look forward to working with the staff and students in its development.”

Dr. Katz is Executive Director, Community Affairs of the University of British Columbia and Managing Director of the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. He has published over 150 research monographs, reviews, and conference presentations, trained over 35 MSc and PhD students and Postdoctoral Fellows, and lectured in over 50 Universities and Institutes around the world. In 2000 he was given the Janssen-Ortho Award for career achievements in research by the Association of Faculties of Pharmacies of Canada. His current research interest is the determination of the mechanism of action of natural health products in inflammatory disease.

Prof. Katz has had a parallel career in science journalism. He has contributed over 400 items on science and health issues for CBC radio regional and national programs such as Morningside and As it Happens. He has been the health science correspondent for CTV National News. He has served as vice-president of the Canadian Science Writers Association.

For more than 15 years, Prof. Katz has promoted science education for elementary and high school children. Sid has served as Executive Director of Science World in British Columbia and Director General and CEO of the Ontario Science Centre. He has played a part in developing other science centres, including Science World in BC, The Regina Science Centre, the Bersheva Science Centre in Israel, and the Science Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Prof. Katz has won many awards for his science education activities, including the Order of Canada in 2003. In addition, he has won the Gordin Kaplan Award from the Canadian Federation of Biological Societies, the Eve Savory Award from the Science Council of BC, the McNeil Medal from the Royal Society of Canada, the Sandford Fleming Award from the Royal Canadian Institute, and the Michael Smith Award from the National Science and Engineering Research Council.