BCIRPU and the Evidence to Innovation Research Theme at BC Children’s Hospital are pleased to welcome Dr. Ben Beck from Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) to Canada as a visiting scholar this spring.

Dr. Ben Beck is the Deputy Head of Prehospital, Emergency, and Trauma Research within the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University and President of the Australasian Injury Prevention Network (AIPN). He leads a broad body of trauma and injury prevention research at Monash University, with a focus on identifying emerging injury trends, monitoring and improving trauma systems, reducing preventable deaths, and developing injury prevention strategies.

“I am excited to learn more about the Canadian approach to road safety and injury prevention, and cultivate relationships with leading researchers and decision makers,” said Dr. Beck. “I’m really looking forward to my time in Vancouver and strengthening our collaborations – there’s so much I can learn from you all and bring back to Australia to further our efforts in injury prevention and trauma care.”

“I also hope to spend some time taking in Vancouver’s beautiful mountain scenery and experiencing snow for the second time in my life, and seeing whether Vancouver’s coffee can rival Melbourne’s!”

Dr. Beck will stay in Vancouver during his time in Canada. He will be collaborating with researchers and decision makers at the BCIRPU, BC Centre for Disease Control, Trauma Services BC, the Department of Civil Engineering in UBC’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, and the Cities, Health and Active Transportation Research Group at Simon Fraser University.

“We are very fortunate that Ben has decided to make Vancouver his home—at least for a little while,” said Megan Oakey, Provincial Manager, Injury and Falls Prevention for the BC Centre for Disease Control. “This visit will further our research relationship and facilitate knowledge exchange between Australia and Canada with respect to trauma and injury prevention.”

“I have had the chance to work with Ben on a number of projects, and am always struck and very pleased by his willingness to think outside the box and tenacity to find solutions to difficult problems. Welcome!” said Dr. Ian Pike, Director of the BCIRPU.

Dr. Beck will be delivering at least two public presentations while he is in Vancouver. Follow him on Twitter at @DrBenBeck.

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