Media Releases
New biography of Dr. Fraser Mustard: “connections and careers”
May 18, 2010
TORONTO, ON – Dr. Fraser Mustard, one of the world’s foremost experts on early childhood development, is the subject of a new biography that was unveiled today at a reception at the University of Toronto.
Titled “Connections and Careers,” the book chronicles Mustard’s personal and professional relationships over the years, from his Depression-era childhood and early academic struggles in school to his triumphs as “Moose” Mustard, all-star University of Toronto tackle, through to his distinguished accomplishments as a physician and scientist.
The book is written by UofT Professor Emerita Marian A. Packham, a long-time friend, research collaborator and a key colleague in Mustard’s work on platelets and arterial disease and the effects of Aspirin. Mustard was awarded the Gairdner Foundation prize for this work in 1967. For her part, Packham was recognized by UofT with a special institution-wide appointment as University Professor.
“Marian has captured how the many connections I made in my work that set my diverse career,” said Dr. Mustard. “I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some of the best and brightest minds over the years and they have certainly shaped the course of my work.”
President David Naylor of the University of Toronto said Dr. Mustard’s accomplishments cannot be overstated.
“Fraser Mustard is a national treasure and a giant in every sense of the word,” said President Naylor. “He has been a sterling success as a biomedical scientist, trans-disciplinary scholar, builder of innovative academic institutions and world-class research networks, and a visionary in health and social policy.
“This new biography is an invaluable record of his ground-breaking work in diverse fields as well as his unique abilities and style.”
Mustard’s list of professional accomplishments is long:
- MD University of Toronto (1953) and PhD University of Cambridge (1956)
- Founding member of McMaster University’s Temerty Temerty Faculty of Medicine (1966);
- Founding president of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) (1982);
- Co-chair of a 1999 Ontario government report on early learning, The Early Years Study — Reversing the Real Brain Drain;
- Advisor on early childhood development to the Canadian and Australian governments, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, UNICEF and the Aga Khan University of Pakistan;
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Companion of the Order of Canada, and recipient of the Order of Ontario
- Member of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Most recently, he has led The Founders’ Network, an international organization that promotes CIFAR, science and technology and socio-economic determinants of health and human development.
Dr. Mustard is one of 10 scientists honoured in the Hall of Giants that was established at UofT’s Terrence Donnelly Centre of Cellular and Biomolecular Research in 2006 for contributions to medical research. A bronze sculpture of Mustard was unveiled, and the 13th floor of the Centre was named after him.
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For more information:
UofT Media Relations Officer
416–978-0100
Media.relations@utoronto.ca