University of Ottawa professor receives the Hygieia Medal of The Rudolf Schülke Foundation

OTTAWA — The University of Ottawa is proud to announce that Syed A. Sattar, emeritus professor of microbiology and founding director of the University of Ottawa Centre for Research on Environmental Microbiology (CREM), was awarded the Hygieia Medal of The Rudolf Schülke Foundation.

The Hygieia Medal is given once every two years to a scientist who has made significant contributions in the areas of hygiene science, infection prevention and public health. Syed A. Sattar is the first non-European scientist to receive this medal in its 33-year history.

The Rudolf Schülke Foundation recognized Professor Sattar as an “extraordinary scientist” and honoured his long-standing achievements in unravelling how disease-causing bacteria and viruses behave when outside the human body. The organization also acknowledged his pioneering role in spearheading the more responsible use of chemicals to prevent the spread of infections in domestic and healthcare settings. Finally, Professor Sattar was praised for his unique contributions to the development of numerous national and international standards and guidelines for infection prevention.

The Rudolf Schülke Foundation promotes hygiene and microbiology with the focus on prevention and control of transmitted diseases. This means in particular the development and application of prevention strategies and methods concerning antisepsis, disinfection and preservation as well as the worldwide dialogue between representatives of science and research. Its aim is to encourage interdisciplinary research and to strengthen co-operation with universities.