Daily News

Posted on March 10: Building a more inclusive community

Issues of diversity, inclusion and equity will gain a higher profile at McMaster with the recent establishment of a presidential advisory committee. University President Peter George created the President's Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community as part of his and McMaster's commitment to a community that celebrates, fosters and respects diversity. "The University fosters an environment of diversity and inclusivity. It is part of our culture and is something we should all celebrate," says George. "One of our principal purposes as a University is to make possible the expression of a wide range of views, cultures and lifestyles. It is my hope that this committee will help to strengthen our commitment to these issues and will assist us in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all."

Posted on March 7: Pierre Berton reflects on the joy of writing

Pierre Berton's well-chosen title for his latest book, The Joy of Writing, says it all. How else to explain the prolific writer's tremendous output of best-selling books? Berton, who himself clearly derives joy out of writing, has written a book for aspiring writers to share in that joy. On Monday, March 10, Berton will be at McMaster to read to students and other guests from The Joy of Writing, talk about writing non-fiction, and answer questions. Titles Bookstore will have copies of The Joy of Writing and Pierre Berton's other works available for purchase and he will be pleased to sign books following the question and answer session. Berton has a long association with McMaster. In 1974, the University Library received the first accrual of his papers, and received the most recent one, the twelfth, in 2002. The archive contains Berton's original manuscripts, research materials, correspondence, speeches, promotional material and photographs with Canadian and international celebrities. Looking through the extensive archive, you can witness Berton's development as a journalist, writer and broadcaster. The archives are located in the lower level of Mills Library in Archives and Research Collections. Hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday. Berton was also granted an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by McMaster on November 11, 1983. Introducing Berton at the convocation ceremony, Peter George, then dean of Social Sciences, said this: "In a moving account of Phillips Thomson, Dr. Berton once wrote that his grandfather 'could not stop writing'. Neither, we hope, can Dr. Berton." In the 20 years that have since passed, George's words have certainly been realized. With the publication of The Joy of Writing, it is evident why. Admission is free to the event which takes place from 2-4 p.m. in CIBC Hall, third floor, McMaster University Student Centre. For more information, call ext. 24865.

Posted on March 6: Utrecht University models program after CanChild

The way McMaster's CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research makes a difference in the way children with disabilities and their families are treated and supported, has impressed researchers in Utrecht, Netherlands. So much in fact, that they launched NetChild, a new childhood disability research group modeled on CanChild's tradition of multidisciplinary collaboration. It is based in part on NetChild's Jan Willem Gorter's experience at CanChild in 2002, where he spent six months as a post-doctoral fellow. "We realize the added value of doing multidisciplinary research, both in developing a research program, as well as the opportunities for research funding," said Gorter, a NetChild partner. "We noticed that CanChild has made a difference in the last 10 years in the field of childhood disability research by developing a research program instead of conducting singular research projects, and by working together with a multidisciplinary approach and functioning as a community-linked organization." Gorter says it's time to work together in a network like CanChild. NetChild would like to develop a community-linked research program and work on transferring knowledge through teaching, education and promotion. "We would like to build a strong network of professionals in childhood disability research, with a focus on maximizing the level of activities, participation and quality of life of children with disabilities and their families," says Gorter. The new research group brings together colleagues from rehabilitation (Gorter and Marjolijn Ketelaar), pediatric physiotherapy (professor Paul Helders, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital) and special education (professor Marian Jongmans), each of whom has longstanding professional relationships with CanChild colleagues. The program was created with the support of professors Adri Vermeer of Utrecht University, and Arie Prevo of Rehabilitation Centre De Hoogstraat/University Medical Center Utrecht, and will be developing its first five-year research program. CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research is located at McMaster University in the School of Rehabilitation Science and has been funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care since 1989.

Posted on March 6: McMaster students redefining leadership

Why aren't more women involved in politics? What can be done to support women interested in running for office? Have there been improvements to encourage women to participate as student, community and political leaders? Redefining Leadership, a one-day conference on Friday, March 7 in the council chambers of Gilmour Hall is providing a forum to discuss these issues. The conference, co-hosted by MacWin (McMaster Womyn's Issues Network) and the MSU Gender Equity committee, will feature a keynote speaker and panel discussions allowing panellists to share their experiences and members of the audience to participate in the presentation. "The speakers are all women who have all made outstanding commitments to their communities," says Nicole Richmond, who co-organized the event with Helen Tewolde. "Each of the speakers we have seen at different events and have been truly impressed by, and felt that these are women who would provide both inspiration and insight to our audience." Keynote speaker, Sue Fraser, kicks off the day at 9:30 a.m. Fraser was MSU president from 1989-90 and is now a social justice lawyer.

Posted on March 6: Three McMaster researchers lead first Canadian study into West Nile virus

A team of researchers from McMaster University will be approaching up to 1,500 south Oakville residents asking for blood samples, in the first Canadian study to find the prevalence of West Nile virus infection. The researchers are looking for antibodies of the West Nile virus in the blood to help them get a better grip on how many were infected with the potentially deadly virus. Physicians believe that about 150 people are infected for every case that reaches them. The rate of Oakville residents contracting the mosquito-borne virus last summer was one of the highest in North America, said Halton medical officer of health Bob Nosal. There have been 58 human cases of West Nile since August -- 49 confirmed cases, and nine probable -- in Halton, almost all of them in south Burlington and south Oakville. Halton has the second-highest number of West Nile cases in Canada. Only Toronto is higher. Nosal said of the 19 Halton residents hospitalized with West Nile symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis, half are still suffering significant health problems, such as trouble walking. "West Nile caused a significant amount of illness last year, and we need to take it seriously." The ministry has contracted the research to McMaster University and hospital infectious diseases specialist Mark Loeb, and university colleagues and professors John Eyles and Susan Elliott. The blood will be tested at provincial labs. Read more