Boone Pickens at the University of Calgary to open new Centre

By Jordanna Heller
Posted June 20, 2008

Alexandra Colicos, daughter of Dr. Michael Colicos, is her father's inspiration for his research at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Photo courtesy of the Colicos family.American philanthropist and billionaire businessman Boone Pickens is in Calgary to officially open the Boone Pickens Centre for Neurological Science and Advanced Technologies. Pickens' gift of $2.25 million has provided a dedicated floor for the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, which brings together Canada's top brain researchers to conduct neurological and biomedical engineering research.

Pickens is one of the top philanthropists in the United States. He says his relationship with Harley Hotchkiss led to his generous gift. "Harley and I are long-time friends with a lengthy business association. I've learned never to underestimate his vision, compassion and commitment to his business and philanthropic ventures. He's helping make great things happen at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and I'm proud to be on his team."

"This generous donation is a prime example of the synergies that result from private and government investment in science and technology," says University of Calgary President Harvey Weingarten. "The Boone Pickens Centre for Neurological Science and Advanced Technologies houses researchers who are committed to finding solutions and creating new technologies for people living with neurological disorders. By investing in these types of pure research and product development we will jointly advance and promote new biomedical discoveries."

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute, in the Faculty of Medicine, which houses the Boone Pickens Centre for Neurological Science and Advanced Technologies, was established in 2004 when Harley Hotchkiss and his family made the lead gift of $15 million.

Researchers develop new technology to interface living cells with computers 

One of the researchers at the Boone Pickens Centre is Michael Colicos, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine. Along with his colleagues at UCSD (University of California San Diego), Colicos developed a new technology to interface living brain cells with computers. This technology, called photoconductive stimulation, causes specific brain cells grown on silicon wafers to fire by targeting them with light and a short electrical pulse.

In his lab at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Colicos uses the technology to study a range of conditions such as epilepsy, and is working on ways to enhance functional recovery from stroke and spinal cord injury.

Through a company called Neurosilicon, formed by Colicos and several of his University of Calgary colleagues, a device based on this technology is currently under testing for sale to other researchers, enabling them to pursue equally exciting research. Commercializing this invention brings business to Alberta while also benefiting scientists looking for therapies for treating brain disorders.

"The work of Dr. Colicos and others on this floor at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute really demonstrates how a generous gift from Boone Pickens and the support of our funding partners allows us to achieve a new level of expertise in biomedical engineering science," says Dr. Tom Feasby, dean, University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine. "The bottom line is -- it promotes health care discoveries that will help all Canadians."

UCalgary in top ten for biomedical engineering 

The University of Calgary has built one of the strongest and most comprehensive biomedical engineering programs in Canada. The university has more than 100 biomedical engineering researchers across six faculties, and ranks in the top ten among Canadian universities.

Advances in biomedical engineering will improve quality of life through the development of new devices that will facilitate early diagnosis and novel therapies.  The research also offers significant potential for commercialization and economic development.

Art Hanger, Federal Minister of Parliament for Calgary Northeast says, "Like any great part of the knowledge economy, people are at the heart of the Hotchkiss Institute's success.  Thanks to the dedication and high calibre of researchers affiliated with it, the Institute has become a source of ground-breaking research over the past 30 years."

The investment provided by Boone Pickens and other donors combined with the contribution provided by the Alberta Government has enhanced the University of Calgary's capacity to produce viable commercial products within the field of biomedical technology. 

"The Alberta government is proud to invest in innovative research that will help the health and prosperity of Albertans," says Manmeet Bhullar, Parliamentary Assistant for Advanced Education and Technology. "The laboratories of our universities are where we are seeing new tools, technologies, and therapies emerging - innovations that form an essential part of good health and a diverse economy."

About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary

The U of C's Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.

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