Four Western University researchers have been recognized by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), which announced its inaugural members of The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, Canada’s first national system of multidisciplinary recognition for the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership.
The College’s stated mandate is to gather scholars, artists and scientists at a highly productive stage of their careers into a single collegium where new advances in understanding will emerge from the interaction of diverse intellectual, cultural and social perspectives.
“Western congratulates these researchers on this very prestigious recognition,” said Western’s President and Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma. “Not only are their current bodies of work gaining prominence, but they are clearly the future of their chosen disciplines and we are proud that they have elected to conduct their research here at Western.”
The RSC elected 91 members in total. The nomination citations of the four researchers from Western are as follows:
Daniel Ansari, Faculty of Social Science, conducts research to examine children’s typical and atypical (Developmental Dyscalculia) numerical and mathematical skills at both behavioural (cognition) and neural levels of analysis. Ansari’s research programme is paving new avenues for the identification of children who have difficulty with math, seeking to address these problems early in development before they become life-long barriers to success.
Isaac Luginaah, Faculty of Social Science, is Canada Research Chair in Health Geography and a global leader in environment and health research. His research addresses how emerging epidemics are radically changing health landscapes in the face of increased burdens from environmental exposure in developed and developing countries. His pioneering work in North America and Africa has made field-defining theoretical and methodological contributions, addressing impacts of environmental hazards and vulnerabilities in population health.
Valerie Oosterveld, Associate Dean at the Faculty of Law, has published widely in the field of international criminal law, particular on gender issues. Her scholarship has influenced the work of international tribunals such as the International Criminal Court, and she has been cited by leading scholars in her field. Since joining Western, she has presented 60 papers, including to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Robert Ventresca, Department of History, King’s University College, demonstrates through his study of modern Italian and Church history the complex intersection of religion and civil society and the dynamic, if contested, role of religious traditions in the modern world. His current work explores how Catholic thought on modernity, the nation-state, race and the ‘Jewish Question’ influenced a range of Catholic responses to 20th century fascist bio-politics.
The presentation for this first cohort will take place on Friday, November 21, 2014 in Quebec City.
The fundamental purpose of the RSC is to recognize, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant, and life-changing discoveries in scientific history and Royal Society scientists continue to make outstanding contributions to science in many research areas.
The RSC also elected six Western researchers as fellows on September 9, 2014. They will be inducted to the academies of the RSC during an Induction and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 22, 2014 in Quebec City.
More information about the Royal Society of Canada is available at www.rsc.ca 
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, Western University, sledgley@uwo.ca, 519-661-2111 x85283
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