New Royal Society of Canada College welcomes three University of Saskatchewan researchers

Three of the University of Saskatchewan's (U of S) most promising young researchers—examining the history of medicine, video games and human behavior, and policy change--have been selected as inaugural members of the Royal Society of Canada's (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

Historian Erika Dyck, computer scientist Regan Mandryk, and political sociologist Daniel Béland will represent the U of S in the inaugural cohort for this prestigious college.

"Dr. Dyck, Dr. Mandryk and Dr. Béland are shining examples of the extraordinarily talented and ambitious young research community that exists at the University of Saskatchewan," said Gordon Barnhart, interim president and vice-chancellor of the U of S. "This is one of the most significant honours a young Canadian researcher can receive, and we are extremely proud to have these three outstanding individuals representing the U of S on a national stage."

Dyck has earned a reputation, in under a decade, as one of the world's most active and thorough scholars studying the history of medicine. Her research has exposed many controversial medical research trends, particularly related to eugenics and the use of psychedelic drugs in therapy.

Mandryk is an internationally recognized researcher in the area of affective computing, and her work is redefining the role of video games and other forms of technology to improve lifestyle choices. She focuses on incorporating fitness and other therapeutic processes into video games, and examines ways to track a user's emotions while using computers.

Béland holds a Canada Research Chair in Public Policy and his work has significantly influenced government, public and scholarly debates surrounding many contemporary issues. He is regularly asked to speak around the world on how ideas can affect policy change, and often speaks to media on policy and political issues.

The researchers will be welcomed into the RSC college, along with 88 other young scholars from across Canada, at their annual general meeting in November. All nominees for the RSC college must have received their PhD or equivalent qualification within the last 15 years.

The Royal Society of Canada (RSC): the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada was established in 1882 as the senior Canadian organization of distinguished scholars, artists and scientists. It is Canada's national academy.

The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, established by the RSC this year, is the first national system of multidisciplinary recognition for the emerging generation of Canadian academics.

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For more information, contact:

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Jennifer Thoma



Media Relations



University of Saskatchewan



306-966-1851



jennifer.thoma@usask.ca
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