Kelvin K. Ogilvie, C.M., Ph.D., D.Sc., H.Col., F.C.I.C., was most recently (1993-2003) president and vice-chancellor of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He is a leading expert on biotechnology, bio-organic chemistry and genetic engineering. His scientific accomplishments include the development of the "Gene Machine", an automated process for the manufacture of DNA. He is the inventor of Ganciclovir, a drug used in more than 40 countries to fight infections that occur when one’s immune system is weakened.
Dr. Ogilvie became a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manitoba in 1968. He moved to McGill University in 1974 and in 1984 was appointed Director, Office of Biotechnology, and Canadian Pacific Professor of Biotechnology at McGill. In 1987 he moved to Acadia University to serve as Vice-President (Academic) and Professor of Chemistry.
Dr. Ogilvie has served on numerous national and international organizations, including the Atomic Energy Control Board, the National Biotechnology Advisory Committee, the National Advisory Board for Science and Technology, and the Canadian ebusiness Initiative. He has served as scientific advisor to numerous technology companies and as a consultant and expert witness for international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. He is a widely sought after speaker, has a number of patents, and his 150 scientific publications have received more than 5000 citations. He is currently the Chair of the Premier’s Council for Innovation (Nova Scotia) and a member of the Board of Genome Canada.
Dr. Ogilvie was named a Steacie Fellow in 1992, was admitted to the Order of Canada in 1991, and in 1992 received the Manning Principal Award as Canada’s outstanding contributor to innovation. He was identified as a Canadian Who Made a Difference in the 1988 Maclean’s Honour Roll, has received three honourary degrees, the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal, the Commemorative Medal of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, and appeared as a mystery guest on "Front Page Challenge" (1988).