Denis Richard, professor at the University of Laval and researcher at the Research Center of the University Institute of Cardiology and Pulmonology at Quebec-Université Laval (IUCPQ), died on December 9th.
Professor Richard has been teaching at the Faculty of Medicine since 1984. An expert in the regulation of energy balance, he has authored more than 300 scientific articles on the mechanisms involved in the control of food intake and energy expenditure and determining factors in obesity. He is also considered a pioneer in research into the neurobiology of obesity in Canada.
His career was marked by awards. Among these, in 2016 we mention the Armand Frappier Prize, the highest award in science and technology awarded by the Government of Quebec. In 2017 he was admitted to the Acamédie des Grand Québécois. In 2019, he won the Jonas Salk Prize, which is awarded to a scientist who has made a notable scientific contribution to the study of a serious physical illness.
From 1999 to 2022 he was director of the IUCPQ Research Center. Under his leadership, the Center adopted the mission “to discover, prevent and cure obesity through the creation, sharing and use of knowledge for the benefit of the population and those suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory and health-related diseases.” “.
During his time as director of the center, the size of the facilities, the number of researchers, student researchers and staff, total annual research funding and the number of publications per year have more than tripled. His great commitment and the scope of his contributions have made it possible to make the IUCPQ research center one of the best in the world in the field of research in cardiology, pulmonology and obesity.
To his close collaborators, Professor Richard represented the ideal of the accomplished biomedical researcher, combining unquestionable scientific rigor and integrity, ongoing support for educating the next generation, and a clearly defined vision that led to long-term scientific developments, providing inspiring leadership for the organization and development of science Facilities in Quebec and Canada.
His remarkable loyalty and generosity enabled him to establish lasting and structuring collaborations with his colleagues at the IUCPQ Research Center and beyond the walls of Laval University.
Originally posted 2023-12-12 23:10:17.