Public Colloquium in Honour of George Hunter, Biochemistry Chair (1929-49)
About this Event
Join University of Alberta College of Health Sciences Dean Brenda Hemmelgarn, distinguished researchers, historian Sarah Carter, and George Hunter's grandchildren Janie and Robert Brown for a public colloquium exploring scientific discovery, academic freedom, and the lasting impact of one of the university's pioneering scholars.
During the event, George Hunter's family will formally donate documents from his estate to the University of Alberta Archives, ensuring that his story and contributions will be preserved for future generations.
Who should attend?
This free public event will appeal to alumni, students, researchers, healthcare professionals, historians, and anyone interested in science, the University of Alberta, or academic freedom.
Reception
A reception following the talks will provide an opportunity to meet the speakers and other attendees.
Event Program
Janie Brown, Executive Director of the Callanish Society, and Robert Brown, President of Chesterman Properties, will present Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact.
Inspired by her grandfather's legacy and her own experience in oncology nursing, Janie founded the Callanish Society, which provides support for people living with advanced cancer. She co-produced the documentary I'm Still Here: Young Adults Living Life with Recurrent Cancer and is the author of the bestselling book Radical Acts of Love: Twenty Conversations to Inspire Hope at the End of Life.
In both his native Scotland and his home of 38 years in Canada, Robert has sought to blend pragmatic business skills with community and mission-focussed objectives. In the last 20 years this has focussed on the development of community owned real estate culminating in founding and running Catalyst Community Developments Society and its creation of 1,200 affordable rental homes in BC.
A series of short presentations will showcase the University's current strengths in health research, highlighting how today's discoveries build on the scientific foundations that George Hunter helped establish a century ago.
Speakers include historian Sarah Carter, Chair of the Department of Oncology Frank Wuest, Women and Children's Health Research Institute Executive Director Sandra Davidge.
Elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 1933, George Hunter helped establish the University of Alberta as a centre of excellence in biochemistry. His research, teaching, and leadership laid foundations that continue to influence scientific discovery today.
Scientific and Historical Legacy
George Hunter published more than 70 scientific papers spanning nutrition, vitamins, glutathione, calcium metabolism, and laboratory medicine.
George's publications reported discoveries of nutritional deficits in the poor, particularly in mothers and children, new ways to source and assay vitamins, the biological functions and reactions of metabolites including glutathione, amino acids and nucleotides and the roles of ions including calcium and magnesium in the body.
Some of his key papers are below:
A new cleavage product of Guanine. 1936, Nature, 137: 405
A Dietary survey in Edmonton. 1941, Can. Pub. Health J., 32: 259
On sources of Vitamin C. II. Alberta Native fruits. 1944, Can. J. Res., 22: 33
The Assay of new rich natural sources of Ascorbic Acid. 1947, Science, 105: 70
The Blood-C.S.F. Barrier to Bromide in Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis. 1954, The Lancet, 700
Calcium and Magnesium Content of Normal Human Blood Serum. 1958, Nature, 182: 263
Calcium and Magnesium in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid. 1960, Nature, 186:161
George Hunter's scientific achievements and his 1949 dismissal from the University continue to attract scholarly attention. Historian Sarah Carter's 2022 article, Professor George Hunter’s Dismissal From the University of Alberta, 1949: A Farewell Lecture on Peace Meant Farewell to His Job explores this important chapter in the University's history.
This event is supported by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The Department of Biochemistry is sponsoring this event.
Please share our poster for this free public event.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM
Colloquium Opening by Brenda Hemmelgarn, CoHS Dean, Vice Provost
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:15 AM
Robert Brown, President, Chesterman & Senior Advisor, Sacha Investments
Info: Robert and Janie will speak on “Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact"
🕑: 09:20 AM - 09:40 AM
Janie Brown, Executive Director and Founder, Callanish Society
Info: Robert and Janie will speak on “Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact"
🕑: 09:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Sarah Carter, Professor, Faculty of Arts - History, Classics, & Religion Dept
Info: Sarah's research encompasses the story of George Hunter, and boils down our complex history and mythologies into tangible truths about what it means to be Canadian. Her awards include a 2020 Killam Prize in the Humanities and Canadian Historical Association’s Clio Prizes. She was elected to the Division of the Academy of Arts and Humanities of the Royal Society of Canada.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Frank Wuest, Professor and Chair, Department of Oncology
Info: Frank's research interests are embedded in the field of translational cancer research, with a focus on imaging biomarkers. His specific aim is to design and apply innovative radiopharmaceuticals to optimize cancer diagnosis and treatment.
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
Sandra Davidge, Director, Women & Children's Health Research Institute
Info: Sandra studies cardiovascular physiology with a focus on how the cardiovascular system adapts to pregnancy under normal circumstances, and how these normal actions are impaired in pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
🕑: 10:40 AM - 10:45 AM
Anna Gibson Hollow, University Archivist, University of Alberta Archive
Info: Anna will receive part of George Hunter's estate, which is being offered to the University of Alberta by Janie Brown on behalf of George's family. Anna has worked in the field of information management in both private and public sector organisations. and in addition to her role as University Archivist , she is also President of the Association of Canadian Archivists.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Reception
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
