Mathematician, engineer and physicist
honoured
Three
Michael Goldstein of mathematics at the St.
George and Scarborough campuses, Jerry Mitrovica of physics and Peter
Zandstra of the Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
with a cross-appointment to chemical engineering and applied chemistry
were selected from among approximately 2,800 applicants to receive the
prestigious fellowships, with the awards totalling $7.6 million. They
and the other fellows were named on the basis of distinguished past
achievement and exceptional promise for future accomplishment.
The fellowships are awarded by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial
Foundation, established in 1925. Winners of the 83rd competition were
chosen based on recommendations made by hundreds of expert advisers in
various fields of study. Guggenheim fellows receive grants for a
minimum of six months and a maximum of 12 to provide blocks of time in
which they can work with as much creative freedom as possible.
Goldstein is exploring the
Mitrovica is studying polar wander and the long-term evolution of
Earth, while Zandstra is doing research on cellular communication and
stem cell engineering.
Since its establishment, the foundation
has granted over $247 million in fellowships to more than 16,000
individuals, according the foundation president Edward Hirsch. No
special conditions attach to them and fellows may spend their grant
funds in any manner they deem necessary to their work. Fellowships are
granted to advanced professionals in all fields (natural sciences,
social sciences, humanities, creative arts) with the exception of
performing arts and support only individuals; grants are not made to
institutions or organizations.