Royal Society of Canada names two UCalgary researchers as new scholars

The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) and its members have elected this year’s new Fellows, and named the incoming class of The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.  Among the College of New Scholars are UCalgary’s Dr. Cheryl Barnabe, MD, and Dr. Adam Kirton, MD, both with the Cumming School of Medicine.

“Recognition from the Royal Society of Canada signals the high calibre of research and leadership demonstrated by Dr. Barnabe and Dr. Kirton,” says Dr. Ed McCauley, vice-president (research) and Fellow of the RSC. “Their work in the areas of chronic diseases and brain development benefits Canadians, and we are tremendously proud of their accomplishments.”

The University of Calgary currently has 67 Royal Society of Canada fellows and nine members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

The 2018 Fellows and Members will be welcomed into the RSC this November, in Halifax, during the RSC’s AGM, The Celebration of Excellence and Engagement. The presentation of RSC medals and awards will also take place along with multiple opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest research results.

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada comprises the academies of arts, humanities and sciences, as well as Canada's first national system of multidisciplinary recognition for the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership, The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Its mission is to recognize scholarly, research and artistic excellence, to advise governments and organizations, and to promote a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.

Cheryl Barnabe
Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences; O’Brien Institute for Public Health; McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health; Cumming School of Medicine

Cheryl Barnabe is a Métis academic rheumatologist and clinical epidemiologist who is leading clinical and research programs that are redefining specialty health services delivery to Indigenous patients living with arthritis. Having identified the high prevalence of rheumatologic conditions and outcome inequities for Indigenous patients, Barnabe is leading the delivery of a national cultural competency initiative in rheumatology, and implementing innovative models of care in both on-reserve and urban settings. 

Adam Kirton 
Departments of Paediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences, and Radiology; Hotchkiss Brain Institute; Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute; Cumming School of Medicine

Adam Kirton is a paediatric neurologist and professor of paediatrics and clinical neurosciences at the University of Calgary. He has built an internationally recognized research program that combines epidemiology with advanced neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation to understand how young brains develop following perinatal injuries. His team then translates this new knowledge to optimize function and future opportunities for disabled children and their families.