Dr. Ian Whishaw, a founding member of the University of Lethbridge's pioneering neuroscience research group and a leader in behavioural neuroscience research internationally, has won the 2009 Alberta Science and Technology "Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science" award.

Whishaw was among a select group of Alberta's top scientists and innovators who received the 2009 ASTech awards at a gala dinner, Friday, Nov. 6 in Calgary.

Well-known for publishing highly original, insightful, and important research in diverse areas of inquiry,

Whishaw's seminal work in rat behaviour and movement disorders has expanded the understanding of human movement disorders. He has provided the key tools and conceptual framework in several applied disciplines in experimental neurology and pharmacology.

This has led to a better understanding of a range of neurological and neurodegenerative disease (including aging, Parkinson's Disease, trauma, and stroke) and has advanced the development of a range of therapeutic approaches.

With more than 300 papers in the best journals in the field, 11 books, 10 research films, and editorial duties for eight journals, Whishaw is one of the top contributors to the field of behavioural neuroscience in the world, and one of the 200 most influential neuroscientists based on citations.

His textbook, "Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology", written in collaboration with colleague Bryan Kolb, is now in its fifth edition and has been the standard text in the field for over 20 years.

Whishaw's recent book, "The Behaviour of the Laboratory Rat", has been described as the behavioural bible for a diverse new generation of rat researchers. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, Academy of Sciences in 1998.

"ASTech is committed to inspiring the next generation of innovation. Innovation provides us with world class companies developing high tech products from Alberta for a world audience in an increasingly diversified Alberta economy," says Martin Kratz, chair of the ASTech Foundation.

Alberta's reputation of discovery in science and technology already has international renown. The ASTech awards build on this.

"ASTech's celebration of the leaders who are making Alberta a better place makes our province more attractive for businesses and students to build their future here," Kratz adds. "That, in turn, improves our economy and quality of life."