One of the most interesting assertions we ever heard came from our Canada-UK Post-doctoral Fellow, Dr. Bo Larsen. "I think GMOs got a undeserved bad review, possibly from the mainstream media looking for a story," he told us, "Unfortunately, lot of people miss out on the constructive discussions that take place away from the front pages. Synthetic plant biology, which makes use of genetic modification, holds tremendous potential for helping us to deliver safe, nutritious, sustainable, and energy-efficient food sources for everyone, rich or poor, to name just a few very positive benefits that are eclipsed by other negative attention.”

Dr. Bo Larsen achieved an MSc in biotechnology engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, specialising in heterologous protein expression and medical microbiology, followed by a PhD at the DynaMo Center of Excellence, University of Copenhagen, where he characterised plant transporters and developed a second generation high-throughput functional genomics technology platform for plant transporter identification. Currently he develops optogenetic sensors and actuators at the Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge. Bo was awarded the Canada-UK Post-Doctoral Fellowship in 2019 in recognition of the potential that he and his research held and the ambition to create innovative links between research and corporate endeavours in both countries. Promoting the careers of talented young postdoctoral researchers who are from or have a strong interest in Canada, the Canada-UK Fellowships empower future world-leaders in their fields.

Dr. Larsen will be a speaker at our December 9th webinar, providing a brief introduction to his experience of post-doctoral fellowship and collaborating with Canada. Details and registration links are available in the story below. For more information about post-doctoral fellowships please be in touch.

Fellowships, Scholarships & Studying Abroad
Join us with the Canada-UK Foundation as we hear from Canada-UK students, who share their experience of international Fellowship and scholarship opportunities, from undergraduates to Post-doc.
Canada has been called an education superpower. Did you know that we consistently rank as one of the best countries in the world to live, our universities are regularly featured on international rankings, and our cities praised for their diversity and safety? Canada has been at the forefront of study and research destinations for UK students. So, what makes Canada such a popular choice?
You are warmly invited to learn more about Canada as a study destination and why thousands of UK students are choosing a study experience in Canada. High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom Education Officer Chelsea Ljutic will speak about why Canada is an increasingly popular study destination in the UK.
You will learn about the type of scholarships we offer, and most importantly hear first-hand about our scholars’ experiences of studying and researching in Canada and how it has helped shape their lives. We will hear from Dr. Bo Larsen; Our Danish Canada-UK Post Doctoral Fellow, Sari Osada, from Canmore Alberta now at Oxford; James Broom from Suffolk now at University of New Brunswick; and Dr. Eleanor Dunling, from Glasgow to studying in Vancouver. Diverse stories, diverse studies, and one common theme - changing lives through education.
Kind regards,
CUKCC Team

Location
Online (via Zoom)Date
9 December 2020Time
15.00–16.15 GMT

R E G I S T E R →

Guest Speakers

Bo Larsen - Dr.Larsen is a Canada-UK Fellow in our Post-Doc Fellowship partnership with the University of Cambridge. Dr.Larsen’s interests lie in synthetic biology.
F U L L B I O H E R E →

Sari Ohsada - Sari is our very first Canada-UK CMF scholar. Recently graduated from Queen’s University, Sari has impressive ambitions to make a positive difference in the world.
F U L L B I O H E R E →

James Broom -James is our CMF UK-Canada scholar, currently at the University of New Brunswick pursuing a Master in Forestry with the very unique opportunity to learn new skills and techniques such as the DNA extraction and analysis of a fungus.
F U L L B I O H E R E →

Eleanor Dunling- Eleanor Dunling is a perfect example of how women are bringing unique and creative approaches to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Eleanor is completing her PhD in experimental nuclear physics at the University of York
F U L L B I O H E R E →

Which Canadian face would you like to see reflecting our history on the new Canadian fiver? Early in November, the Bank of Canada announced the shortlist of 8 notable Canadians being considered for the new $5 bill. Selected from more than 600 public nominations, the list represents public figures who have changed Canada for the better. While done to enhance security – the Bank now updates the design of individual denominations every few years – it also represents an opportunity to better reflect Canada’s history. Earlier in our newsletters, we profiled social justice icon Viola Desmond, who became the new face of the $10. The new face of the $5 bill will be announced early in 2021. Read short summaries of those who have enriched our history below (clickable the links for more details) and be sure to hop over to our Twitter poll and share your vote!

Self-taught artist, Pitseolak Ashoona (1904-1983), is among the first generation of Inuit printmakers in Cape Dorset; her whimsical artworks reflecting Inuit life ignite the imagination as well as recording traditions.

The first female French-Canadian journalist and fierce social justice activist, Robertine Barry (1863-1910) championed women’s rights including suffrage, education, and protection from domestic violence, being a founding member of the Fédération nationale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and vice president of the Canadian Women’s Press Club.

Won Alexander Cumyow (1861-1955) is the first known Chinese-Canadian born in Canada who used his language skills (he spoke Hakka, Cantonese, English, and Chinook) to be a voice for a disenfranchised people and transform racist attitudes toward Chinese people in Canada.

A WWI veteran, Binaaswi (Francis Pegahmagabow) (1888-1952) is regarded as the most highly-decorated Indigenous soldier in Canadian history who was a fierce fighter and sniper who took part in the Second Battle of Ypres and Battle of Passchendaele, among others; after the war, he became an early activist in the national Indigenous rights movement.

Founder of the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada (now SeedChange) in 1945, Czech-born refugee Lotta Hitschmanova (1909-1990) was one of Canada’s earliest grassroots humanitarians who devoted her life to helping people in need around the world.

Cancer research activist Terry Fox (1958-1981), famed for his cross-Canada Marathon of Hope that raised $24 million, is by far, the most recognisable name on the list; a heroic life cut tragically short, his legacy continues today as the annual Terry Fox Run which has raised over $800 million to date.

Siksika chief, Isapo-muxika (Crowfoot) (1830-1890) was a peaceable diplomat between Indigenous nations and with settlers; he successfully worked as negotiator on behalf of Plains First Nations with the federal government and North-West Mounted Police.

Mohawk chief and WWI veteran, Onondeyoh (Frederick Ogilvie Loft) (1861-1934) founded the League of Indians of Canada, the first pan-Canadian Indigenous organization in 1918 championing Indigenous rights, seen as a precedent for modern-day Assembly of First Nations.

Dr. Murray McKenzie is one of the most diverse, fascinating scholars we've met, and we're pleased to have him In our spotlight this week as a contributing editor to the Canada-UK Foundation. What makes Murray fascinating is the breadth of his interests and achievements -- he earned a PhD from University College London, and a Masters in Urban Planning from UBC, while also touring and recording as a guitarist and vocalist with Gold & Youth , signed to Canada's premiere indie rock label, Arts&Crafts. Victoria, British Columbia born and bred, Murray has also been a scholar in residence at Peking University and has learned Mandarin as a (fluent!) second language.

Murray is currently a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research includes investigating the role of Chinese capital in large-scale property development projects in London and the implications of COVID-19 for connectivity, governance, and urbanization in Southeast Asia. Murray is also contributing postgraduate teaching on the implications of COVID-19 for cities at UCL, and doing business consulting as well. Watch for Murray's articles in the weeks ahead as he shares his experience and insights into what it means to be a young Canadian in the world today.

The Friday Files - news to inform and intrigue