OTTAWA, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Liu as its new Scientific Director. Dr. Liu will work with the members of the Institute, its various stakeholders, and the broader national and international research community to enhance the excellence and impact of the Heart Institute's research enterprise.
"The addition of Peter Liu to our team is a testimonial to our research excellence. Dr. Liu brings exceptional scientific experience and outstanding leadership skills which will strongly contribute to our reputation and visibility worldwide," said Dr. Robert Roberts, President and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
As the inaugural Director of the Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence at the University of Toronto, Dr. Liu successfully fostered collaboration amongst researchers from various institutions, while increasing the impact of publications. He also held the position of Scientific Director of the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. Liu currently sits on the Science and Policy Council for the World Heart Federation and is the director of several large-scale international research programs.
Well known for his contributions to heart failure and cardiac inflammation research, Dr. Liu discovered how viruses can enter the myocardium and trigger inflammation, and how innate and acquired immunity contribute to cardiac remodeling and heart failure progression following injury. His laboratory currently focuses on innovative proteomic biomarkers to detect early and personalize treatment for cardiac diseases, and elucidate novel mechanisms of disease. Dr. Liu is also interested in knowledge translation, having harmonized and simplified the major national guidelines using a novel evidence-based consensus approach (C-CHANGE program), and finding ways to maximize knowledge translation globally using innovative technologies.
"Cardiovascular disease and cardiac care are undergoing dramatic transformations as we speak, and we must innovate to master the changes for the future. I look forward to building on the strengths of the Heart Institute and, through strategic recruitment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and disruptive innovation, achieve the next level of international impact. In other words, we will be 'Reaching Higher Together,'" said Dr. Liu.
With over 350 peer-reviewed publications, many in the most celebrated journals in the world, and his publications cited over 20,000 times, Dr. Liu has been recognized with numerous awards, including both the Research Achievement Award and the Life Time Achievement Award of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the Rick Gallop Award of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, and most recently, the Institute of Circulatory & Respiratory Health Distinguished Lecture Award of CIHR.
As Canada's largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute is dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing heart disease. We deliver high-tech care with a personal touch, shape the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced, and revolutionize cardiac treatment and understanding. We build knowledge through research and translate discoveries into advanced care. We serve the local, national, and international communities as we pioneer a new era in heart health.
For further information:
Vincent Lamontagne
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-761-4427
613-864-9087 (cell)
vlamontagne@ottawaheart.ca