Winners of the CIHR Gold Leaf Prizes to be honoured tonight at Rideau Hall
OTTAWA, May 16, 2017 /CNW/ – It is thanks to the hard work and dedication of some of the brightest minds in our country that health research has known such impressive progress. Health research has helped prevent diseases and injuries, enabled medical professionals to deliver vital treatment and care, and has even led to cures that save lives. Canadian health researchers have been responsible for creating indispensable new scientific knowledge and, through their efforts, have touched the lives of Canadians everywhere.
It is only fair that we take some time to acknowledge them in turn.
Today, CIHR is pleased to present our inaugural CIHR Gold Leaf Prizes, which recognize excellence in health research and its translation into benefits for Canadians. The four winners will receive their medals at a recognition ceremony to be held tonight at Rideau Hall.
The recipients of the 2016 CIHR Gold Leaf Prizes for excellence in health research are:
CIHR Gold Leaf Prize for Discovery
Dr. John Dick – A professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. John Dick is being recognized for his pioneering work as the first scientist to identify cancer stem cells. His research holds the promise for improved treatments and quality of life for cancer patients.
CIHR Gold Leaf Prize for Impact
The British Colombia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS – For 25 years, the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS has been providing care and treatment for those living with HIV, educating health professionals and promoting evidence-based policy to protect people from the virus.
CIHR Gold Leaf Prize for Outstanding Achievements by an Early Career Investigator
Dr. Gregory Steinberg – A professor at McMaster University, Dr. Steinberg’s work on understanding, at the molecular level, how obesity causes type 2 diabetes and the role that nutrition and exercise play in maintaining good health, shows enormous promise for the more than 10 million Canadians who have diabetes or are at high risk of developing the disease.
CIHR Gold Leaf Prize for Transformation: Patient Engagement
Dr. Charlotte Loppie – Director of the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement and professor at the University of Victoria, Dr. Charlotte Loppie is being acknowledged for her continued dedication to bringing Indigenous peoples into research projects that touch their lives.