PhD gives LU more clout.

Scientists predict this century will be remembered for its developments in medicine, and Laurentian University has taken steps to be part of the growing movement in research by introducing a PhD program in biomolecular sciences.

Sciences are merging. There is a prevalence in interdisciplinary studies, programs that do not fit into any one discipline, says Rizwan Haq, dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Laurentian University. Students who historically obtained a degree in chemistry or biology can now combine the two disciplines to create a degree in biochemistry. Having knowledge in more than one discipline provides expertise in several areas when it comes to research, Haq explains.

Greater Sudbury has many experts at the Northeastern Cancer Centre and Laurentian Hospital and more will be expected when the Northern Ontario Medical School opens its doors, Haq says. The university will have experts with multi-disciplines to assist in the program.

"It is good for the region as a whole to have a PhD of this kind in the North," he attests.

The professors and research projects define great universities, Haq says. The more research intensive the university is, the higher the reputation. In today's climate, research intensive institutions in Canada have more funding power.

"If you do not have a doctorate program you will not get (the funds)."

More research funds means more students. Haq expects to have approximately six people in the first year with an estimated 25 all together in four years.

Figuratively speaking, those numbers may be underestimated, Dr. Amadeo Parissenti, chair in Cancer Research and a full professor at Laurentian University, says. He is getting inundated with requests.

Already an estimated 15 students have inquired about the program. His hope is "that (the university) will have enough faculty to support the interest that is there."

The PhD program will not only focus on cancer research. It will also investigate the structure, function and properties of relevant molecules, and that opens the program to a variety of other disciplines, he says.

Already the research lab has received approval on two patents and has formed relationships with the private sector. One of the patents came from an unexpected discovery when scientists identified an agent that appeared to kill drug resistant breast tumour cells.

By KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business