Prof. Dr. Fackson Mwale | Osteoarthritis | Best Researcher Award
Professor at McGill University, Canada
Dr. Fackson Mwale is a distinguished scientist with an extensive background in biochemistry, tissue engineering, and orthopedic research. His work spans academia, administration, and industry, showcasing significant contributions to musculoskeletal research, cartilage biology, and biomaterials. With a career rooted in McGill University and affiliations with prominent organizations, Dr. Mwale has fostered innovation, mentorship, and multidisciplinary research, establishing himself as a leader in his field.
professional profiles
Education 
Dr. Mwale’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Havana, Cuba (1986). He advanced with an M.Sc. in Computational Chemistry from the same institution, focusing on inorganic property databases (1988). His doctoral research at the University of South Carolina, USA (1994), earned him a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, where he explored cartilage matrix calcification mechanisms. Dr. Mwale further honed his expertise in Tissue Engineering at Rice University, Houston, through advanced training (2000). Complementing his biochemistry background, he earned a Certificate in Software Technology from McGill University (2000).
work Experience
Dr. Mwale holds extensive academic and industrial experience. Since 2016, he has been a tenured Professor of Experimental Surgery at McGill University, directing orthopaedic research at the Lady Davis Institute. His earlier roles include Assistant and Associate Professorships in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery (2000–2016). Beyond academia, he co-founded Trepso Therapeutics and established Intervertech SA, serving as a consultant for companies like Oligomedic and Wisent Bioproducts. His international teaching includes a lecturer position with UNESCO in Zambia (1988–1989).
Awards and honors
- Chair, NIH Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Study Section
- President, Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society (2017)
- Faculty for Young Investigator Initiative, US Bone and Joint Initiative
- Canadian Connective Tissue Society: President (2012–2014), Scientific Board Member
- Provostial Delegate, McGill University Strategic Hiring Initiatives
Research Focus
Dr. Mwale’s research targets cartilage assembly and degradation, emphasizing biomineralization and tissue repair. His investigations span collagen roles in cartilage calcification and innovative strategies for tissue regeneration. At McGill University, he has pioneered studies in musculoskeletal injury repair and biomedical innovation, advancing orthopaedic treatments.
Skills
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomineralization and Musculoskeletal Research
- Computational Chemistry and Database Development
- Grant Writing and Mentorship
- Leadership in Research Strategy and Education
Conclusion
Dr. Fackson Mwale’s exceptional academic leadership, groundbreaking research in tissue engineering, and commitment to mentorship make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His achievements align with the award’s criteria, reflecting excellence in research innovation, societal impact, and academic leadership. Addressing the areas for improvement could further solidify his legacy as a global research leader.
Publications to Noted
Composition and structure of articular cartilage: a template for tissue repair
Authors: AR Poole, T Kojima, T Yasuda, F Mwale, M Kobayashi, S Laverty
Citations: 942
Year: 2001
Distinction between the extracellular matrix of the nucleus pulposus and hyaline cartilage: a requisite for tissue engineering of intervertebral disc
Authors: F Mwale, P Roughley, J Antoniou
Citations: 400
Year: 2004
Type II collagen degradation and its regulation in articular cartilage in osteoarthritis
Authors: AR Poole, M Kobayashi, T Yasuda, S Laverty, F Mwale, T Kojima, T Sakai, …
Citations: 373
Year: 2002
The potential of chitosan-based gels containing intervertebral disc cells for nucleus pulposus supplementation
Authors: P Roughley, C Hoemann, E DesRosiers, F Mwale, J Antoniou, M Alini
Citations: 329
Year: 2006
Defining the phenotype of young healthy nucleus pulposus cells: recommendations of the Spine Research Interest Group at the 2014 annual ORS meeting
Authors: MV Risbud, ZR Schoepflin, F Mwale, RA Kandel, S Grad, JC Iatridis, …
Citations: 299
Year: 2015
Effect of cobalt and chromium ions on human MG-63 osteoblasts in vitro: morphology, cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress
Authors: C Fleury, A Petit, F Mwale, J Antoniou, DJ Zukor, M Tabrizian, OL Huk
Citations: 243
Year: 2006
Limitations of using aggrecan and type X collagen as markers of chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: F Mwale, D Stachura, P Roughley, J Antoniou
Citations: 210
Year: 2006
Atmospheric pressure deposition of micropatterned nitrogen‐rich plasma‐polymer films for tissue engineering
Authors: PL Girard‐Lauriault, F Mwale, M Iordanova, C Demers, P Desjardins, …
Citations: 209
Year: 2005
The involvement of aggrecan polymorphism in degeneration of human intervertebral disc and articular cartilage
Authors: P Roughley, D Martens, J Rantakokko, M Alini, F Mwale, J Antoniou
Citations: 189
Year: 2006
Biological evaluation of chitosan salts cross-linked to genipin as a cell scaffold for disk tissue engineering
Authors: F Mwale, M Iordanova, CN Demers, T Steffen, P Roughley, J Antoniou
Citations: 184
Year: 2005