Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research
Winners will receive a personalized glass plaque commemorating their award, along with a $20,000 prize (per award) to be put towards their research program
Award for Excellence awards
Canadian Cancer Society Lifetime Contribution Prize
Canadian Cancer Society Inclusive Excellence Prize
The Inclusive Excellence Prize will be given to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and impact in the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility as it relates to the cancer research ecosystem in Canada. CCS recognizes that the best outcomes in research are derived through leveraging the diversity that is Canada’s strength. Research ecosystems that reflect the population are known to ask more diverse research questions, have more innovative approaches, ideas and solutions and are thus more likely to produce outcomes that have impact at a population – as well as an individual - level. The recipient of this award will be an individual permanently residing in Canada whose efforts reflect a genuine commitment to fostering inclusive excellence and whose work has led to significant, measurable impacts that may include greater diversity in Canada’s cancer research landscape, and/or enhanced equity in the delivery of cancer care for underserved populations.
*See CCS Research Inclusive Excellence Action Plan for additional context. Cancer research ecosystem is defined as the network of cancer researchers, postdoctoral fellows, students, technical staff, knowledge users, health care providers and community members including patients, survivors and caregivers, who are synergistically contributing to the generation, synthesis, dissemination, exchange and application of cancer research in Canada.
Canadian Cancer Society O. Harold Warwick Prize
The O. Harold Warwick Prize is given for outstanding achievements in cancer control research. It is named in honour of Dr Warwick, a pioneering researcher in cancer control and treatment, and the first executive director of the former National Cancer Institute of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society. The recipient of this award will be an investigator permanently residing in Canada whose contributions have led to significant advances in cancer control and who is, normally, still engaged in the conduct of cancer research.
For the purposes of this award, cancer control is meant to include clinical (including clinical trials), health services, epidemiological, behavioural, psychosocial, population-based or similarly applied research aimed at reducing the burden of cancer. Cancer control does not include research in the basic biomedical sciences.
Canadian Cancer Society Robert L. Noble Prize
Canadian Cancer Society Bernard and Francine Dorval Prize
The Bernard and Francine Dorval Prize is given to 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 cures. It is named in honour of Bernard and Francine Dorval, whose longstanding support of CCS has helped to raise more than two million dollars in support of CCS-funded research, policy work, and programs.
The recipient of this award will be an early career investigator permanently residing in Canada who began their independent research career within the previous 10 years. All those who began their independent research career after December 31, 2014, will be eligible for nomination. Taking into consideration any leaves, the start of the independent career will be defined as the date that the candidate was first appointed as an independent scientist or faculty member.Canadian Cancer Society William E. Rawls Prize
The William E. Rawls Prize is given to an early career investigator whose outstanding contributions have the potential to lead to or have already led to important advances in cancer control. It is named in honour of Dr Rawls, past president of the former National Cancer Institute of Canada. His research focused on viruses, particularly those involved in chronic diseases and cervical cancer.
The recipient of this award will be an early career investigator permanently residing in Canada who began their independent research career within the previous 10 years. All those who began their independent research career after December 31, 2014, will be eligible for nomination. Taking into consideration any leaves, the start of the independent career will be defined as the date that the candidate was first appointed as an independent scientist or faculty member.
For the purposes of this award, cancer control is meant to include clinical (including clinical trials), health services, epidemiological, behavioural, psychosocial, population-based or similarly applied research aimed at reducing the burden of cancer. Cancer control does not include research in the basic biomedical sciences.
Previous research awards recipients
The Canadian Cancer Society promotes and recognizes excellence and outstanding achievements in cancer research.
Since 1993, we have acknowledged some of the country’s best researchers with our Canadian Cancer Society Awards for Excellence. We are proud to honour these talented individuals who have played a key role in the advancement of cancer research.
These individuals have made rich and meaningful contributions, whether in advancing biomedical cancer research or conducting research that has made a major impact on cancer control in Canada. Congratulations to all our award winners!