Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research Inaugural Annual Symposium

May 12, 2016

The Hon. Michael Wilson, P.C., C.C., B.Com., LL.D.
Chancellor of the University of Toronto

Ladies and gentlemen, the partnership between SickKids, UHN, and U of T has brought together pioneering researchers and clinicians who are pushing the boundaries of science.

For U of T, being part of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research provides an unmatched opportunity to leverage our institution’s strengths in research, education, and innovation in even closer collaboration with the outstanding talent and resources of SickKids and UHN. The Rogers family’s historic gift unites research expertise from the three institutions like never before with the crucial goal of reducing the impact of heart failure and improving the lives of countless individuals and their loved ones.

For U of T and the Translational Biology and Engineering Program, the Rogers’ gift has established state-of-the-art laboratory space that is fostering new collaborations between scientists and engineers. These collaborations will catalyze new discoveries and innovations that can only come through close, interdisciplinary work.

In addition, the Rogers family’s singular act of philanthropy is helping to recruit new talent to U of T and to train the next generation of scientists and engineers. This in turn will accelerate the translation of technologies, tools, and knowledge to clinical practice and to commercial products.

I would like to thank the long-standing friends and advisors of the Rogers family who are here – Alan Horn, Chris Wansbrough, John Anderton, and Bob Reeves.

And finally, I extend very warm thanks to the Rogers family, represented this evening by Loretta Rogers and Edward Rogers, for their truly visionary leadership. What a wonderful thing you have set in motion! And how fitting that it’s honour of our great friend, Ted Rogers.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for joining us to celebrate the successful inauguration of the annual symposium of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research.