Description
In Sight is a memoir about how a love of science and discovery drove Julia Levy, a celebrated scholar and biotech CEO, to work her way through gender bias in order to achieve academic and professional recognition. Her story traces the unconventional invention of a breakthrough drug treatment from its development from laboratory research to its application as a medical treatment for vision loss.
Told from a female perspective, In Sight is a unique and personal story covering Levy’s early years as a refugee, her university training in the UK and her appointment as professor at the University of British Columbia. Years spent as an academic led the author to unexpected exposure to the biotechnology industry and a chance meeting with colleagues that led to the formation of a lucrative biotechnology company, known today as QLT Inc. The bulk of the book covers the years spent building the company, and Levy’s surprising transition from chief scientific officer to CEO. In Sight is an honest description of the trials of drug development, the tensions inherent in the commercialization of health innovations, and the truly remarkable hurdles faced by women in the scientific community.
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Endorsements
"Dr. Julia Levy’s story of personal and scientific discovery is dramatic, uplifting and powerful. It is the story of a pioneer and leader who used her great intelligence to overcome difficult obstacles and illuminate the way for others. I highly recommend it."
Linda Solomon Wood, CEO, Observer Media Group, Founder, Editor-in-Chief of the National Observer
"A timely book given the renaissance of the biotech/drug sector in Canada and the rise of woman in leadership roles. This is the story of the remarkable woman behind QLT, the only Canadian based company to have discovered and led the development of a successful drug independently and who at one point had a valuation higher than some Canadian banks. It provides a look into the hurdles faced by woman as well as inspirational insights for all those who maintain it’s not possible to undertake drug development from Canada."
Christine Charette, Former managing director, Biotechnology, BMO
"Julia Levy created a once in lifetime experience for the employees who were fortunate enough to work for her and at the same time created a flagship biotech company for Canada. Julia’s own complexity as a person comes through brilliantly in this book. Her intellect, strength of character, innovative and curious mind and her deep understanding of the contradictions of human beings. Julia was at first the brilliant scientist and then became the accidental CEO. She was a living masterclass in ‘servant leadership’ long before anyone coined the term. As someone who lived the journey right beside her, I am so pleased that she told this story."
Linda Lupini, Global Vice-President, Employee Experience, Copperleaf Technologies
Reviews
"Dr. Julia Levy’s life story is a compelling and exhilarating read - one to inspire and motivate scientist entrepreneurs to strive to take their discoveries from lab to patient, overcoming multiple levels of adversity along the way. But this book is far more than an account of the positive impact on human health that is made possible by a brilliant and determined scientist- it is a testament to the human spirit and what can become possible with creativity, preparation, persistence and serendipity.
As such, this is a book for everyone - from high school aspiring student to those later in career .... looking to channel their talent and energies to a greater purpose.
Julia did it. And, so can you."
Paul Cubbon, Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
"Julia Levy broke every glass ceiling she encountered in sports, in school, in research, in entrepreneurship, in finance, in management and most importantly in health care. An inspiring read for those with aspirations to change the world, for those who have made their mark and especially for those aiming to break barriers encountered by free-thinking determined women. This book, her career and her present-day active mentoring of young science entrepreneurs ensure her legacy will be a beacon for generations to come."
Haig Farris, OC
Author Biography
Julia Levy is a professor emerita at The University of British Columbia.
Copyright Information
© University of Toronto Press 2020
University of Toronto Press
University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading academic publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America, with particular strengths in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The Book Publishing Division is widely recognized in Canada for its strength in history, political science, sociology, Indigenous studies, and cultural studies. Internationally, UTP is a leading publisher of medieval, Renaissance, Italian, Iberian, Slavic, and urban studies, as well as studies in book and print culture. With the publication of influential authors and award-winning research, as well as a continuing dedication to groundbreaking new scholarship and innovative texts for the higher education market, UTP has firmly established its reputation for excellence. UTP's newest imprint is Aevo UTP, which brings its innovation and academic excellence to a general readership.
View all titlesBibliographic Information
- Publisher/Imprint University of Toronto Press / Rotman-UTP
- Orginal LanguageEnglish
- ISBN/Identifier 9781487508319
- Publication Country or regionCanada
- FormatHardback
- Primary Price 34.95 CAD
- Pages312
- ReadershipGeneral
- Publish StatusUnpublished
- Copyright Year2020
- Dimensions9 x 6 inches
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