About this Event
As UAlberta's Chair of Biochemistry from 1929–1949 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Dr. George Hunter published groundbreaking research in Nature, Science, and The Lancet. Yet his career also raised vital questions about academic freedom and the relationship between science and society that remain deeply relevant today.
Join UAlberta leaders, distinguished researchers, historians, and the Hunter family to rediscover his remarkable story, explore his scientific legacy, and mark the official donation of rare materials from his estate to the University of Alberta Archives.
Featured Panelists:
- Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn — Dean, UAlberta College of Health Sciences
- Dr. Kristine Smitka — President, AASUA
- Dr. Sarah Carter — Historian & Distinguished University Professor
- Janie & Robert Brown — Grandchildren of Dr. George Hunter
A networking reception with light refreshments will follow the panel discussion.
Who should attend?
- Biochemistry / medicine / health sciences — the scientific legacy
- Historians and historians of science — the Hunter story
- Faculty and graduate students — academic freedom and university history
- Alumni — an extraordinary piece of UAlberta history
- General Edmonton public — a fascinating local story
Reception
A reception following the talks will provide an opportunity to meet the speakers and other attendees.
Program for the Public Colloquium in Honour of Professor George Hunter
9:00 - 9:05 Opening by Brenda Hemmelgarn, CoHS Dean, Vice Provost
Session 1 chaired by Richard Fahlman, Chair, Department of Biochemistry
9:05 - 9:10 Kristine Smitka, President, AASUA on Academic Freedom: History and Importance
9:10 - 9:25 Robert Brown, President, Chesterman & Senior Advisor, Sacha Investments and
9:25 - 9:40 Janie Brown, Executive Director and Founder, Callanish Society “Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact"
9:40 - 9:55 Sarah Carter, Professor, Faculty of Arts - History, Classics, & Religion Dept: "George Hunter: Dedicated to Campus and Community, Surveilled for "Subversive Activities"
9:55 - 10:05 Panel Discussion
10:05 - 10:10 Break
Session 2 chaired by Michael Overduin, Professor, Department of Biochemistry
10:10 - 10:25 Frank Wuest, Professor and Chair, Department of Oncology
10:25 - 10:40 Sandra Davidge, Director, Women & Children's Health Research Institute
10:40 - 10:45 Anna Gibson Hollow, University Archivist, University of Alberta Archive will receive part of George Hunter's estate.
10:45 - 11:00 Panel Discussion
Scientific and Historical Legacy
George Hunter's appointment as Chair of Biochemistry was supported by commendations from Nobel laureates Frederick Banting and John Macleod. He published more than 70 scientific papers spanning nutrition, public health, and laboratory medicine. George's publications reported discoveries of nutritional deficits in the poor, particularly in mothers and children, new ways to source and assay vitamins, the biological functions and reactions of metabolites including glutathione, amino acids and nucleotides and the roles of ions including calcium and magnesium in the body. Dr. Hunter's leadership helped establish the University as a centre of excellence in biochemistry, and demonstrated the need for academic freedom.
Selected publications:
A new cleavage product of Guanine. 1936, Nature, 137: 405
- A Dietary survey in Edmonton. 1941, Can. Pub. Health J., 32: 259
- On sources of Vitamin C. II. Alberta Native fruits. 1944, Can. J. Res., 22: 33
- The Assay of new rich natural sources of Ascorbic Acid. 1947, Science, 105: 70
- The Blood-C.S.F. Barrier to Bromide in Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis. 1954, The Lancet, 700
- Calcium and Magnesium Content of Normal Human Blood Serum. 1958, Nature, 182: 263
- Calcium and Magnesium in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid. 1960, Nature, 186:161
- Historian Sarah Carter's 2022 article "Professor George Hunter’s Dismissal From the University of Alberta, 1949: A Farewell Lecture on Peace Meant Farewell to His Job" covers George's story.
Family Legacy:
Dr. Hunter shared his career with his wife, Dr. Mary Wylie, a pioneering physician and one of the first female medical graduates from the University of Glasgow. Their grandchildren continue their legacy of community impact:
- Janie Brown: Founder of the Callanish Society (advanced cancer support) and author of Radical Acts of Love.
- Robert Brown: Founder of Catalyst Community Developments Society, creating over 1,200 affordable rental homes in BC.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is supporting this event.
The Department of Biochemistry is sponsoring this event.
The Kule Institue for Advanced Study is supporting this event.
The Alberta Historical Society is supporting this event.
Please share our poster for this free public event.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:05 AM
Colloquium Opening by Brenda Hemmelgarn, CoHS Dean, Vice Provost
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:10 AM
Academic Freedom: History and Importance, Kristine Smitka, President, AASUA
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:25 AM
Robert Brown, President, Chesterman & Senior Advisor, Sacha Investments
Info: Robert and Janie will speak on “Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact"
🕑: 09:25 AM - 09:40 AM
Janie Brown, Executive Director and Founder, Callanish Society
Info: Robert and Janie will speak on “Lessons from our grandfather, George Hunter, second Chair of the Department of Biochemistry: Family, Legacy and Impact"
🕑: 09:40 AM - 09:55 AM
Sarah Carter, Professor, Faculty of Arts - History, Classics, & Religion Dept
Info: Sarah's research encompasses the story of George Hunter, and boils down our complex history and mythologies into tangible truths about what it means to be Canadian. Her awards include a 2020 Killam Prize in the Humanities and Canadian Historical Association’s Clio Prizes. She was elected to the Division of the Academy of Arts and Humanities of the Royal Society of Canada.
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:25 AM
Frank Wuest, Professor and Chair, Department of Oncology
Info: Frank's research interests are embedded in the field of translational cancer research, with a focus on imaging biomarkers. His specific aim is to design and apply innovative radiopharmaceuticals to optimize cancer diagnosis and treatment.
🕑: 10:25 AM - 10:40 AM
Sandra Davidge, Director, Women & Children's Health Research Institute
Info: Sandra studies cardiovascular physiology with a focus on how the cardiovascular system adapts to pregnancy under normal circumstances, and how these normal actions are impaired in pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
🕑: 10:40 AM - 10:45 AM
Anna Gibson Hollow, University Archivist, University of Alberta Archive
Info: Anna will receive part of George Hunter's estate, which is being offered to the University of Alberta by Janie Brown on behalf of George's family. Anna has worked in the field of information management in both private and public sector organisations. and in addition to her role as University Archivist , she is also President of the Association of Canadian Archivists.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Reception
Event venue & nearby stays
University of Alberta, 8602 112 St, Edmonton, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.