Burnaby, BC - The Down Syndrome Research Foundation will be honouring two prestigious scientists at the second annual Josephine Mills Research Awards Gala on March 26, 2009.

Dr. Alberto Costa will be presented with the “Exceptional contribution to research in Down syndrome” award in recognition of his outstanding research in Down syndrome.  His work has made a significant impact on our understanding of learning and memory deficits associated with Down syndrome.    Dr. Costa successfully combines his scientific research with his personal experiences of raising a child with Down syndrome and has been a leader in the field.

Dr. Yoshio Okada will be presented with the Excellence in MEG related research in developmental neuroscience for his outstanding contributions in using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to understand brain development. Dr. Okada has made a breakthrough with the design of portable MEG device specifically for use with small children. This prototype has elicited great interest from universities such as Harvard and will make a marked difference in the application of basic neuroscience research in brain reorganization, maturation and language development.

The Josephine Mills Research Awards were established to acknowledge the life long work of Jo Mills, founding Executive Director of the DSRF. Jo was honored with a 2001 Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award from Simon Fraser University and a service award from Down Syndrome International in 1999. She was inducted into the Who's Who of Canadian Women, was nominated for a 1999 YWCA Women of Distinction Award, and was awarded the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal in April, 2006.  The award has been named to recognize her contribution to the field of Down syndrome. 

The second annual Josephine Mills Research Awards will be held at the prestigious Terminal City Club on March 26, 2009. The Honourable Minister Linda Reid is the guest keynote speaker and the event will be emceed by Anchor and Reporter Global BC Randene Neill.

About Magnetoencephalography Technology
The Magnetoencephalography system (MEG) provides precise information about the brain by measuring the electromagnetic activity that occurs when neurons fire. This information provides precise information about how and where the brain carries out functions and tasks. The Down Syndrome Research Foundation currently houses the only MEG unit in western Canada.

About the Down Syndrome Research Foundation
The non-profit Down Syndrome Research Foundation was established in 1995 with a mission to ensure a brighter future for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

At the DSRF we initiate and participate in research that provides insight into the unique learning style of these individuals. The data collected is analyzed and pilot interventions and educational programs are developed and offered. These programs test our understanding of the brain and are evaluated to see the impact on our students.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joy Hayden
Director, Resource and Program Development
Phone              604.444.3773
Cell                  604.512.2483
E-mail              joy@dsrf.org