Professor honoured
for beneficial work
by Patty Pitts
UVic biologist Dr. Nigel Livingston is this year's recipient of the inaugural Lieutenant Governor's Technology and Innovation Award from the BC Innovation Council.
The award recognizes the development of highly innovative, new technology based on applied research that has a positive impact on the province.
For several years Livingston has led the UVic Assistive Technology Team (UVATT), a group of UVic faculty, staff and students who have volunteered their time and expertise to develop and test new devices for people with disabilities.
"I feel so privileged to be part of UVATT and to work with such incredible people—students, faculty, staff, community volunteers and, most especially, those people with special needs and their caregivers," says Livingston. "It's really wonderful that the work done by members of the team and their supporters has been recognized in this way."
UVATT's current projects include hands-free communication systems that can be activated by eye or tongue, adjustments to wheelchairs to make them comfortable in inclement weather, and a glucose meter that will voice test results for people who are visually impaired.
Earlier this year, a new spin-off company, Inspired Devices (IDI), was formed to work with UVATT to deliver its innovative solutions to people with special needs on a local, national and international level.
"Nigel's achievements are truly exceptional and UVic is proud to be the base for these extraordinary contributions to the health and well-being of the communities we serve regionally and nationally," says Dr. Martin Taylor, UVic's vice president research.
"The innovative technologies that Nigel and his UVATT team have developed are transforming the lives of those disadvantaged by physical and cognitive challenges. From a young developmentally disabled boy learning to walk with musical footprints to a young girl with cerebral palsy triggering a talking toy with the nod of her head, all have benefited from the work of UVATT and Nigel's leadership."
The BC Innovation Council (formerly known as the Science Council of B.C. ) supports applied research and commercialization of science and technology to foster province-wide economic development.
Livingston and the UVATT members will be recognized at a gala awards dinner in Vancouver next month.
In April, Livingston was named Academic of the Year by the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of B.C. In June, he won the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre's Community Involvement Award. He's also the recipient of the 2005 University of Victoria Community Leadership Award. |
