After 34 years with the University of Manitoba, Bob Madziak is retiring as the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ director of Central Animal Care Services.
Madziak’s work behind the scenes has helped countless UM studies succeed over the past three decades.
“I feel we’ve contributed significantly to the scientific advancements that have happened here,” Madziak said. “We’ve supported a large number of researchers that have done excellent work in the pursuit of science and answering questions about human disease.”
When Madziak joined UM in 1990 as the assistant director of Central Animal Care Services (CACS), he had 10 years of experience working as an animal technician at the University of Western Ontario. In 2002, he took on the role of director.
Over the years, Madziak has led many improvements to how the animals are housed and cared for at CACS. He’s also helped establish new facilities like the Genetic Model Centre and the Small Animal Imaging Core Facility.
Madziak has also supported the advancement of the science of laboratory animal use and care through participation as a career-long member of the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL). He was a board member from 1987 to 2000 and served as president in 1994 and 1995.
Madziak was awarded the Charles River Canada Award for outstanding contributions to the field of laboratory animal care by CALAS/ACSAL in 1998. He also served on the board of directors of the Canadian Council on Animal Care, the national standards setter, from 2016 to 2018.
“Bob has worked tirelessly over the better part of 34 years to contribute to the advancement of biomedical research by advocating for upgraded facilities which in turn resulted in better quality research being performed on campus,” said Chris Taylor, assistant director of Central Animal Care Services.
Madziak said he has worked hard and well with all five deans of medicine he’s served under.
“All of the deans have provided Central Animal Care Services with good support,” Madziak said.
Madziak said he’s been fortunate to have had great support staff and technicians who were dedicated to taking care of the animals.
In 2020, his technical staff received a UM Award of Excellence in the team category in recognition of their exceptional contributions in furthering the strategic priorities of the university.
“My job has been to make sure the animals are under the best conditions they can be, never accepting the status quo and always figuring out how we can do better,” Madziak said. “The work’s never done with animals because they’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Leading a team that is capable of doing that, that about sums up my career.”