Lunenfeld scientist awarded Excellence in Research Award from the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

(Toronto – February 5, 2010)

Dr. Lee Adamson, Senior Investigator at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, has been honoured with this past year’s Excellence in Research Award by the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada (APOG). The prestigious award is presented annually to recognize outstanding creative effort, scientific leadership and major research accomplishments in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

“It’s wonderful to have my contributions in this area recognized, and it’s truly an honour to win this award,” said Dr. Adamson.

Dr. Adamson is also Director of the Research Centre for Women’s and Infants’ Health at Mount Sinai Hospital, Director of the Lunenfeld’s Mouse Physiology Core of the Centre for Modeling Human Disease, and she holds the Anne Tanenbaum Chair in Molecular and Developmental Biology.

Research in Dr. Adamson’s lab focuses on the important role of the placenta in controlling fetal growth and development, and regulating the function of the mother’s cardiovascular system during pregnancy.

“Dr. Adamson has demonstrated sustained and outstanding leadership through her work in fetal development, as well as her role in directing the Centre for Modelling Human Disease. In addition to her research excellence, she has shown tremendous leadership through the mentoring and training of future investigators,” said Dr. Alan Bocking, President of APOG.

Dr. Adamson's laboratory uses the mouse as a model to explore the developmental mechanisms responsible for abnormal placental blood vessel development, the impact of abnormal placental function on fetal growth and development, as well as maternal signs of preeclampsia (a life-threatening maternal disorder of pregnancy).

Her research has shown that placental failure results in fetal intrauterine growth restriction, which puts babies at high risk of dying before birth, or of being delivered prematurely into intensive care. Growth restriction before birth also impacts on lifelong health by increasing the risk of serious adult diseases including heart disease and diabetes. Placental failure can also lead to preeclampsia.

Currently, preeclamptic complications are avoided by preterm delivery but this endangers the baby. Dr. Adamson’s research will advance our understanding of these devastating complications that affect 10 per cent of all pregnancies.

APOG currently brings together professors of obstetrics and gynaecology from the 16 Canadian universities involved in both pre- and post-doctoral education and continuous medical education. Through its annual meeting, mid-year meeting and committee structure, it provides a forum for communication and discussion, collaboration, problem solving, and policy development.

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Lunenfeld scientist awarded Excellence in Research Award from the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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