Fernand Seguin was born in Montreal. He conducted biochemical research in Chicago, Paris and Montreal, and in 1950 founded the biochemical research dept. at Saint-Jean-de-Dieu hospital, where he specialized in schizophrenia research. In 1954 he abandoned his research career and began a long series of radio and TV programs that sparked scientific curiosity in Quebec and inspired scientific careers. In 1977 he became the first Canadian to receive UNESCO's highest award for scientific popularization, the Kalinga Prize.
He won the Prix Casgrain-Charbonneau for his MA thesis that concerned a method to determine aminopyrine in the blood. Prof. at U de M, 1945-50. Founded biochemical rsch. dept. at St.-Jean-de-Dieu, 1950. Programs for adults: Le Roman de la science, 1956-60; Aux frontières de la science, 1960-61; and L'Homme devant la science. Le Sel de la semaine, 1965-70, science critic. Science Réalité, 1975-77, weekly TV show. The Kalinga Prize has been granted to the likes of Bertrand Russell, Julian Huxley and Margaret Mead.
Sources: The Canadian Encyclopedia, 1988
© 1996 Softshell Small Systems Software Design Inc.
