A member of the Université Laval faculty since 1971, Professor Alan Anderson from the Department of Biology is a distinguished figure and one of the founding members of the CRC. He stands as a pioneer in the field of molecular biology at Université Laval. Collaborating with Dr. Luc Bélanger, they achieved a significant milestone as the first to clone a gene (rat AFP) at Laval University.
With his profound expertise in molecular biology and pharmacology, Professor Alan Anderson's research interests encompass human genetics and drug metabolism, with a specific emphasis on the regulation of hepatic induction of cytochromes P450 and its link to carcinogenesis. It is important to highlight that, in collaboration with Dr. Luc Bélanger and Prof. Normand Marceau, Prof. Anderson conducted groundbreaking research on gene regulation related to onco-fetal (AFP) and post-natal (P450) markers, exploring their role in the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic cells, including stem cells and hepatocyte maturation. The quality of his research program has earned him substantial support from granting agencies, notably the CRM/CIHR and the CRSNG.
For many, Prof. Anderson exemplifies the ideal university professor—a scientist engaged in cutting-edge research while excelling as an educator. His teaching is marked by exceptional quality and is highly valued by students, as he has imparted fundamental concepts in biology and molecular genetics to multiple generations of students at all academic levels. Prof. Anderson has been actively involved in various capacities, including his contributions to the program committee of the biology department, where he served as Director. Additionally, he played a significant role in the scientific library committee, serving as Chairman of the advisory committee.
As a member emeritus, the CRC acknowledges Professor Anderson's national and international reputation as a research pioneer within our academic community. His contributions have not only enriched our local research landscape but have also made a profound and enlightening impact on the global academic scientific community.