As part of the Entretiens Jacques Cartier 2011 - Honorary doctorate conferred on the President of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne on the recommendation of Polytechnique Montréal
As the leader of one of the world's most dynamic research institutes, Professor Aebischer is recognized as an ambassador of
cutting-edge science. He marries enthusiasm for tackling major scientific challenges with the desire to contribute to our
planet's global development by training a new generation of technological leaders. His goal, at the helm of EPFL, is to promote
interdisciplinarity, the engagement of young researchers, and an awareness of the economy and the arts world.
Biography
Patrick Aebischer, a Swiss doctor and neuroscientist trained at the University of Fribourg and the University of
Geneva, began his career in 1984 as a professor of neuroscience, biomaterials and artificial organs at Brown University in the
United States. In 1992, he became a professor in the independent surgical research and gene therapy centre at the Centre
hospitalier universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne. For 11 years now, he has been President of École Polytechnique Fédérale de
Lausanne, and in 2004 he became a member of the Conseil des Écoles Polytechniques fédérales.
As a member of numerous professional associations both in Europe and the United States, Professor Aebischer has founded two
biotechnology companies. He is also pursuing his laboratory research, focusing on the development of cellular therapy
approaches and gene transfers for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
About the honorary doctorate
The honorary doctorate is awarded by Université de Montréal following the recommendation of the Polytechnique
Montréal board of directors and the academic board. The honorary degree highlights the exceptional accomplishments of a
nationally or internationally renowned individual.
Left to right : Mr Guy Breton, Université de Montréal, Mr Patrick Aebischer, École Polytechnique de
Lausanne, Mr Christophe Guy, École Polytechnique de Montréal et Mr Alexandre Chabot, Université de Montréal.
About Polytechnique Montréal
Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada's leading engineering teaching and research
institutions. It is the largest engineering university in Québec for the size of its student body and the scope of its research
activities. With over 37,000 graduates, Polytechnique Montréal has graduated 25% of the current members of the l'Ordre des
ingénieurs du Québec. Polytechnique provides training in 16 engineering specialties, has 241 professors and more than 6,900
students. It has an annual operating budget of over $200 million, including a $72-million research budget.
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Information :
Sylvie Forgues
Service des communications et du recrutement
Polytechnique Montréal
Tel.: 514 340-4711 poste 4415
Cell: 514 231-8133
communications@polymtl.ca
