Images, in medicine and in art: professors claim university’s top research prize

London, ON (Apr 10, 2008) – One produces medical images to better diagnose and treat cancer, the other is a visual artist whose work includes images used in printmaking. Both Aaron Fenster and Patrick Mahon have been named 2008 recipients of The Hellmuth Prize, The University of Western Ontario’s highest honour for contributions to research.

Much of Aaron Fenster’s work as an imaging scientist at Robarts Research Institute and professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has focused on developing 3-D ultrasound imaging technology to improve, among other things, the diagnosis and treatment of breast and prostate cancer. Technologies he and his team have developed allow doctors to examine patients more quickly and thoroughly without prolonged invasive procedures, and have been licensed and distributed worldwide for cancer therapy and research. Fenster, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering, has also developed new vascular imaging systems that allow for better detection of blood clots responsible for stroke.

An artist, writer, teacher and academic for more than 25 years, Visual Arts professor Patrick Mahon’s work as a visual artist – which includes print-based projects related to historical and contemporary aspects of printmaking – has been widely exhibited, nationally and internationally. As a writer and curator, Mahon publishes and produces exhibitions related to print culture, post-colonialism and modernist aesthetics. He is also a co-investigator in the collaborative artist’s project, Art and Cold Cash, which examines Inuit art in the context of the introduction of capitalism into the Canadian Arctic.

“Both of these researchers have incredible reputations for being at the forefront of their fields, not only at Western, but around the world,” says Ted Hewitt, Western’s Vice-President (Research & International Relations). “Throughout their careers, their expertise has enhanced Western’s standing as a research-intensive university and helped to train tomorrow’s leaders.”

Awarded annually, the Hellmuth Prize was established in 1996 to recognize Western’s most distinguished researchers for achievement over a substantial body of work. The Prize is named after Bishop Isaac Hellmuth, one of Western’s founders and a pioneer of higher education in Canada. Fenster and Mahon will receive their awards and present a brief overview of their work on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 4 p.m. in Conron Hall (Room 224, University College). The event is open to the public.

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