It's being called the largest philanthropic donation to support research in the history of the University of Windsor.
A $1-million donation from the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation will fund the establishment of the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods (CCAAM) research and training laboratory along with research and academic program development.
It will be dedicated to the development of alternative approaches to the use of animals in scientific testing.
Margolis was an internationally syndicated journalist and former owner and chairman of Jamieson Laboratories. His focus is now on animal welfare issues.
"When 21st century technology is used to further medical research and chemical safety testing, the result is the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods," says Margolis. "This next chapter will place our country on the forefront of future medical discoveries and safety testing and I am honoured to play an integral part in its inception."
Faculty of Science Dean Chris Houser says work taking place in the Centre will make the University of Windsor a leader in non-animal, human-centered research.
"This unprecedented gift for research will enable us to expedite the development of novel non-animal approaches," says Houser. "I am particularly excited about the opportunities that this gift provides for our students, and knowing that the centre will train the next generation of scientists, health professionals, and policy makers in animal replacement methods to build viable, healthy, and safe communities."
The main research and training laboratory will also be named the Eric S. Margolis Research and Training Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Methods.