The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has unveiled the winners of its most prestigious annual awards for this year, recognizing 6 leading cancer researchers in Canada for their outstanding achievements.
The CCS Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research honour some of the amazing research talent and leaders in Canada – people who have played an important role in advancing cancer research that improves cancer outcomes. From transforming the current standard of care to championing health equity, this year’s winners have made rich and meaningful contributions across a broad spectrum of cancer research, including breast, colorectal, gynecological, lung, prostate and childhood cancers.
“We are excited to celebrate this year’s winners and recognize the incredible work they have accomplished,” says Dr Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research & Advocacy at CCS. “Through their tremendous dedication and leadership within the research community, they have made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of cancer, helping to save and improve the lives of people affected by the disease.”
The Awards for Excellence have been handed out since 1993 and include a $20,000 prize per winner to be put toward their research program.
Here is an overview of this year’s winners:
- Lifetime Contribution Prize – for an individual who, through vision and leadership, has enhanced the Canadian cancer research landscape to benefit people with cancer
Dr Frances Shepherd
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
University of Toronto
- Inclusive Excellence Prize – for an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility as it relates to the cancer research ecosystem in Canada
Dr Gary Groot
Saskatchewan Health Authority
University of Saskatchewan
- O. Harold Warwick Prize – for outstanding achievements in cancer control research
Dr Amit Oza
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
University of Toronto
- Robert L. Noble Prize – for outstanding achievements in basic biomedical cancer research
Dr Samuel Aparicio
BC Cancer Agency
University of British Columbia
- Bernard and Francine Dorval Prize – for an early-career investigator whose outstanding contributions to basic biomedical research have the potential to lead, or have already led, to improved understanding of cancer treatments and/or cure
Dr Housheng He
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
University of Toronto
- William E. Rawls Prize – for an early-career investigator whose outstanding contributions have the potential to lead, or have already led, to important advances in cancer control
Dr Sumit Gupta
Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute
University of Toronto
To learn more about this year's winners and to support life-saving cancer research, visit Awards for Excellence winners web page.