Actor and director Alan Alda is replacing Idris Elba as the featured guest at the 2016 Leaders In Innovation Dinner in London.
Western University announced on Wednesday that due to an "unforeseen scheduling conflict" Elba is no longer available to attend the November 10 event. Hosted by Robarts Research Institute, this year's dinner will celebrate research excellence in the field of chronic lung disease.
Alda, a seven time Emmy winner and six time Golden Globe winner, is best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H. He has also made appearences in NBC’s 30 Rock, The West Wing, and ER. On the big screen, Alda was nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Aviator.
In addition to his 40-year acting career, Alda is a visiting professor and founding member of Stony Brook University's Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and a recipient of the National Science Board’s Public Service Award.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alan Alda to London, Ontario,” says Marlys Koschinsky, executive and scientific director at Robarts. “His involvement in this year’s Leaders in Innovation Dinner will bring a new perspective on communicating with the public about the value of science and the groundbreaking work we are doing here.”
Alda will be touring Robarts ahead of his keynote presentation.
This year’s dinner is being held at the London Convention Centre. Tickets are $250 per person or $2,000 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased online at www.robarts.ca/leaders-innovation.
