Kelvin Ogilvie

Kelvin Kenneth Ogilvie (November 6, 1942 – July 15, 2025) was a Canadian academic and politician. An expert in bioorganic chemistry and genetic engineering, He served until his retirement on November 6, 2017.

Scientific career Ogilvie was a leading expert in bioorganic chemistry and genetic engineering. His scientific accomplishments include the development of the chemistry of the Bio Logicals’ “Gene Machine”, an automated process for the manufacture of DNA. He is the inventor of Ganciclovir, a drug used worldwide to fight infections (Cytomegalovirus or CMV) that occur when one’s immune system is weakened. He also developed a general method for the chemical synthesis of large RNA molecules, demonstrated by the first total chemical synthesis of a functional Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule, which is still the basis for RNA synthesis worldwide.

From 1993 to 2003 he served as president and vice-chancellor of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he led the development and implementation of the acclaimed Acadia Advantage Program, which was recognized by and incorporated into the Permanent Collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., in 1999. His time at Acadia was controversial especially with the alumni association.

He was appointed to the Canadian Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on August 27, 2009, and he retired in November 2017. While in the Senate he chaired the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology that produced a number of important studies on health issues affecting Canadians. The last report was “The Role of Robotics, 3D Printing and Artificial Intelligence in the Healthcare System” (November 2017).

Personal life and death Ogilvie was born in Summerville, Nova Scotia in 1942, to Carl and Mabel (née Wile) Ogilvie. He was married to Roleen Lockhart for 61 years and had two children. Ogilvie died on July 15, 2025, at the age of 82.