Western welcomes Alan Alda to Robarts’ Leaders in Innovation Dinner

Actor, writer, science advocate, and director are just a few of Alan Alda’s many job titles. On November 10, 2016 he will join scientists, researchers and community members for the 2016 Leaders in Innovation Dinner hosted by Western University’s Robarts Research Institute. This year’s dinner celebrates research excellence in the field of chronic lung disease. Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, the previously announced featured guest is no longer able to attend.

Throughout his 40-year career, Alda has won seven Emmys, six Golden Globes, and three DGA awards for directing. He is best known for portraying Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H, which earned him five Emmys for acting, writing, and directing. Over the span of his career he has been nominated for 33 Emmys for roles which include recent performances in NBC’s 30 Rock, The West Wing, and ER; and on the big screen, he was nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Aviator.

A recipient of the National Science Board’s Public Service Award, Alda is a visiting professor at and founding member of Stony Brook University’s Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, where he helps develop innovative programs on how scientists communicate with the public.

As part of the 2016 Leaders in Innovation Dinner, Alda will share a keynote presentation and take part in an engaging armchair discussion about his life, career and passion for communicating science. Earlier in the day he will be touring Robarts and will be available to media to answer questions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alan Alda to London, Ontario,” said Marlys Koschinsky, Executive and Scientific Director at Robarts. “His involvement in this year’s Leaders in Innovation Dinner will bring a new perspective on communicating with the public about the value of science and the groundbreaking work we are doing here.”

The Leaders in Innovation Dinner takes place on November 10, 2016 at the London Convention Centre in London, Ontario. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Heather Hiscox, Anchor, CBC News Network. Tickets are $250 per person or $2,000 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased online at www.robarts.ca/leaders-innovation.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, crystal.mackay@schulich.uwo.ca @CrystalMackay

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