About

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ovidiu Jumanca and Mr. Robert Madziak are the winners of the Harry C. Rowsell Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes dedicated individuals who have made a lifetime of exceptional contributions to the CCAC and who uphold the highest standards in the ethical care and use of animals in Canadian science.

Dr. Ovidiu Jumanca is the director of Animal Facilities and Technical Services at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM). Dr. Jumanca is well known and highly appreciated by the staff at IRCM as well as the animal care and use community in Canada and abroad, for his dedication to animal care and his unwavering support. He has mentored and uplifted countless colleagues, students, new Canadians, researchers, technicians, and veterinarians, helping them flourish in their careers. Working closely with the IRCM’s animal care committee, animal care staff, and research teams, he has strived to minimize the use of animals in many areas of research and to maximize their comfort, quality of life, and health. He shows great enthusiasm in his volunteer work as well, and has dedicated countless hours to continuing education, including at the CCAC’s national workshops. Whether it is working on outreach initiatives for the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (CALAM), helping organize the annual conference for the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS), or sitting on the CCAC Board of Directors and Assessment and Certification Committee, Dr. Jumanca’s experience and expertise shine through. His exceptional work on both the national and international stage has undoubtedly improved the quality of animal care in Canada and beyond.

Mr. Robert Madziak was the director of Central Animal Care Services at the University of Manitoba until his retirement in May 2024. Dedicated to the ethical care of animals in science for over forty years, his commitment to improving the standards of care for laboratory animals has resulted in significant positive changes at both the institutional and national level. In every capacity, through his professional and volunteer work, including during his time as a member of the CCAC Board of Directors, Mr. Madziak’s pursuit of excellence in animal care has ensured that respect for animal life is consistently communicated and practised. He has been a member of several animal care committees for over 30 years and has facilitated the planning, design, and establishment of new and renovated animal facilities. His contributions to CALAS and its training programs have made an enormous impact on those working in animal care. Notably, he played a major role in the development of the Associate Registered Laboratory Animal Technician program which provides CALAS certification for a wider variety of applicants working in the laboratory animal science field. An exemplary figure to his peers, Mr. Madziak consistently advocates for best practices, continuing education and training, and above all, the recognition of, and respect for, the role animals play in science.