Biochemical training
Collip studied biochemistry in Toronto and received his doctorate in 1916, after beginning a teaching appointment at the University of Alberta. A fellowship brought him back to Toronto in 1921; late that year he joined the insulin work of Banting, Best and Macleod.
References: [1]
Purifying early insulin extracts
Collip worked to remove impurities from pancreatic extracts. His improved preparation was used in Leonard Thompson in January 1922 with better clinical results than the initial extract. The team nevertheless faced subsequent problems with potency, purity and reproducibility, separating a successful preparation from dependable production.
Endocrine research and institutions
After returning to Alberta, Collip continued research and later developed an endocrine research group at McGill, investigating parathyroid and pituitary hormones. He also helped organize Canadian National Research Council medical research and moved to Western Ontario in 1947 for medical-school leadership and research.
References: [1]