Minister Ambrose congratulates the winners of Canada's prestigious prize for medical research and emphasizes the Government's commitment to support world-leading science
TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, joined The Gairdner Foundation and leaders in Canada's medical research community to honour the recipients of the 2014 Canada Gairdner Awards at a ceremony this evening at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
The Canada Gairdner Awards rank among the world's most prestigious awards in medical research. They allow Canada to recognize leaders in science and innovation, and also inspire young Canadians to pursue scientific careers.
This year's winners showcase a broad range of seminal discoveries related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, immunotherapy and human parasitic diseases. Among the winners, Dr. Salim Yusuf from McMaster University in Hamilton received the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award for his exceptional leadership in carrying out global clinical trials and research studies that have shaped best practice guidelines for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Wightman Award is given to a Canadian who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in medicine or medical science in his or her career.
Since 2008, the Government of Canada has provided $22 million in funding support to the Gairdner Foundation.
Quick Facts
- The Gairdner Awards were established in 1959 by Toronto businessman and philanthropist James Gairdner. The awards are among the world's most esteemed prizes for medical research.
- The awards were renamed the Canada Gairdner Award in 2009 in recognition of the Government of Canada's endowment provided to The Gairdner Foundation.
- Seven awards are given out annually in three areas: 5 Canada Gairdner International Awards, 1 Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, and 1 Canada Gairdner Wightman Award. Each award is valued of $100,000.
- The Government of Canada is the largest investor in health research in Canada with roughly $1 billion a year.
- Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, we fund over 13,000 health researchers across Canada to create new scientific knowledge and translate that knowledge into health and healthcare enhancements.
Quotes
"Our Government recognizes the fundamental role of research in developing new ways of preventing and treating disease. This year's Canada Gairdner Award recipients have achieved a lot in their respective pursuits of scientific discovery and we congratulate them on their efforts. These outstanding scientists are being honoured for groundbreaking discoveries that have helped to save lives and improve the quality of life of people around the world."
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health, Government of Canada
"The Canada Gairdner Awards distinguish Canada as a leader in biomedical research, raising the profile of science both nationally and on the world stage. This year's winners are an exceptional example of highly effective outcomes from translational research and we are honored to have them in Canada thanks to our generous sponsors like the Government of Canada."
Dr. John Dirks
President and Scientific Director, The Gairdner Foundation
"The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is proud to support the Canada Gairdner Awards and the Gairdner Foundation. These awards recognize researchers whose work in health innovation will have a positive impact on the well-being of citizens at a national and global level. The recipients will also inspire today's youth to pursue scientific careers and become tomorrow's leaders in medical research."
Dr. Alain Beaudet
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Associated Links
2014 Canada Gairdner Award Laureates
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,200 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
SOURCE: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 613-941-4563, [email protected]
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