Dr. Young is an outstanding scientist with 30 years of experience as a pharmaceutical chemist at Merck Frosst Canada. Most recently, he held the position of Vice President of Medicinal Chemistry (1994-2006). In addition, he acted as Head of Research at the Merck Research Laboratories Neuroscience Research Centre in Terling Park, UK for 2004-2005.
Recognized world-wide for his significant work in the area of pharmaceutical research, Dr. Young’s unique experience and scientific excellence will add a new dimension to the BC health research community, one that will impact the ability to translate academic research discoveries into applications that benefit the public. His contributions to medicinal chemistry have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the UK and the Canadian Prix Galien (1998 and 2000, respectively) pharmaceutical industry awards and the Heroes of Chemistry award from the American Chemical Society (2003) for the discovery and development of Singulair, an efficacious, oral asthma therapeutic that is safe for use in children as young as 2 years old and that has sales of over $3 billion US per year. Among numerous noteworthy professional honours and affiliations, Dr. Young is an appointed Member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (2005), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2005-present), a Member of the Order of Canada (2004), and a recipient of the Ottawa Life Sciences Council National Merit Award (2002) for his "outstanding leadership and contribution to medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical research in Canada".