The support of young scientists today is essential to building a pool of new researchers who will carry on the future of heart disease and stroke research in Canada. Dr. Stephen Ferguson, the first Great-West Life and London Life Research Scholar of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, is widely recognized as one of the up-and-coming stars in the research arena.

After receiving his PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at McGill University in 1994, Dr. Ferguson completed his postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center in the United States where he learned new research methods and techniques in the field of cell biology. After being offered a position at The John P. Robarts Research Institute in London Ontario, Dr. Ferguson returned to Canada, and now applies the knowledge and skills gained from his training in his own research.

Dr. Ferguson has received the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's prestigious McDonald Scholarship Award (awarded to the highest rated applicant) and the Premier's Research Excellence Award. Presently conducting research with The John P. Robarts Research Institute in London, Ontario, Dr. Ferguson is exploring the importance of the role that hormones circulating in the blood play in the control of blood pressure. A long list of research publications, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this area also adds to his list of achievements.

Research scholarships enable promising new investigators, like Dr. Ferguson, to set up their own research laboratories and become established and productive researchers who, in turn train other new research protégés who will continue to build on the discoveries of today.

This award has been supported through the generous contribution of The Great-West Life Assurance Company and London Life Insurance Company over a period of three years. Such research partnerships are vital in providing an adequate level of support for Canada's young researchers.