A past president of Memorial University and a former director of the School of Pharmacy has established a research award in his field of expertise.

The Loomis Undergraduate Research Award in Pharmacy has been established by Dr. Chris Loomis through a generous donation to Dare To: The Campaign for Memorial University –  a private sector fundraising campaign which ran from 2007-2013 and raised more than $67.2 million.

The award will enable one or more students in a given year to undertake a faculty-supervised research project during the summer semester. Research projects should be original work and advance knowledge in the pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice and health outcomes. Recipients will be expected to present the results of their research at a relevant scholarly conference or forum whenever possible.

Preference will be given to projects whereby the award is leveraged with matching funds provided by the recipient’s supervisor or some other external funding source, to total $5,000 or more.

Dr. Loomis feels research is essential to completing a true university experience.

“Research is core to the academic mission and an indelible part of university life,” he said. “For the health professions, it is also the means by which health care and professional practice is continuously improved. Students should be able to participate in scholarly research as part of their undergraduate experience, and I’m delighted this new award will help support such opportunities in the School of Pharmacy.”

Dr. Carlo Marra, dean, School of Pharmacy, will determine the annual number of awards and their value. The school recently completed its 2014-17 Strategic Plan, which cites increased undergraduate research opportunities as a goal.

“We want to support research growth,” said Dr. Marra. “We’re developing a new program, an entry-to-practice PharmD, and have discussed the importance of introducing undergraduate students to career opportunities that involve research earlier in their program. Practice-based research generated by frontline pharmacists provides evidence that supports expanded scope of pharmacy practice. Whether our students become involved in an established research study or start their own, they’ll be well equipped to inform policy-makers and help inform our population’s health and well-being. It is our responsibility to make sure they’re aware of these opportunities and that we encourage them to consider a career in research.”