As UAlberta's Chair of Biochemistry from 1929–1949 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Dr. George Hunter published groundbreaking research in Nature, Science, and The Lancet. Yet his career also raised vital questions about academic freedom and the relationship between science and society that remain deeply relevant today.

Join UAlberta leaders, distinguished researchers, historians, and the Hunter family to rediscover his remarkable story, explore his scientific legacy, and mark the official donation of rare materials from his estate to the University of Alberta Archives.

Interactive discussions about what freedom of speech and scientific leadership means then and now.

Featured Panelists:

• Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn — Dean, UAlberta College of Health Sciences
• Dr. Kristine Smitka — President, AASUA
• Dr. Sarah Carter — Historian & Distinguished University Professor
• Janie & Robert Brown — Grandchildren of Dr. George Hunter

A networking reception with light refreshments will follow the panel discussion.

Who should attend?

• Biochemistry / medicine / health sciences — the scientific legacy
• Historians and historians of science — the Hunter story
• Faculty and graduate students — academic freedom and university history
• Alumni — an extraordinary piece of UAlberta history
• General Edmonton public — a fascinating local story

Reception

A reception following the talks will provide an opportunity to meet the speakers and other attendees.

Program for the Public Colloquium in Honour of Professor George Hunter

9:00 - 9:05 Opening by Brenda Hemmelgarn, CoHS Dean, Vice Provost

Session 1 chaired by Richard Fahlman, Chair, Department of Biochemistry

9:05 - 9:10 Kristine Smitka, President, AASUA on Academic Freedom: History and Importance

9:10 - 9:25 Robert Brown, President, Chesterman & Senior Advisor, Sacha Investments and

9:25 - 9:40 Janie Brown, Executive Director and Founder, Callanish Society “Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact"

9:40 - 9:55 Sarah Carter, Professor, Faculty of Arts - History, Classics, & Religion Dept: "George Hunter: Dedicated to Campus and Community, Surveilled for "Subversive Activities"

9:55 - 10:05 Panel Discussion

10:05 - 10:10 Break

Session 2 chaired by Michael Overduin, Professor, Department of Biochemistry

10:10 - 10:25 Frank Wuest, Professor and Chair, Department of Oncology

10:25 - 10:40 Sandra Davidge, Director, Women & Children's Health Research Institute

10:40 - 10:45 Anna Gibson Hollow, University Archivist, University of Alberta Archive will receive part of George Hunter's estate.

10:45 - 11:00 Panel Discussion

Additional sessions:

2-3pm: trainees and students are invited to meet the speakers for an open discussion

1-1 meetings can be arranged on request

There is a tour for of the University Archives given by Anna Gibson Hollow on Oct 6 at 3pm that you can also register for.

This event is supported by the Kule Institute for Advanced Studies, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Historical Society of Alberta, Edmonton River and the Department of Biochemistry.