TORONTO, October 18, 2005 -- The Canadian Institutes of Health
Research (CIHR) Institute of Cancer Research and the Ontario Cancer Research
Network have recognized Canadian talent today by honouring four of Canada's
top scientists, Drs. Jim Till, Ernest McCulloch and Tak Mak of the Ontario
Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, and Dr. Tony Pawson of the
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital for their
remarkable achievements in the field of cancer research.
The researchers were recognized during an honorary reception and dinner
at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
"CIHR is particularly pleased to honour world-leading scientists who have
made an exceptional contribution to the understanding, diagnosis, prevention
and treatment of cancer. They have enriched Canada's health research
landscape," said CIHR President Dr. Alan Bernstein.
"Cancer researchers worldwide have for some time recognized the truly
ground-breaking achievements of these four Canadian researchers," said
Dr. Philip Branton, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Cancer Research.
Dr. Bob Phillips, President and CEO of OCRN said, "Canada needs to
celebrate the achievements of its cancer researchers. The scientists honoured
tonight have pushed back the frontiers of knowledge, placing them at the
forefront of their respective fields."
About the researchers
Drs. Ernest McCulloch and James Till (Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess
Margaret Hospital, Toronto) are known for their pioneering work on
haemapoietic cells. A major breakthrough was their development of the spleen
colony assay in irradiated mice that led to the identification of stem cells.
This discovery led to a revolution in research in haematopoiesis and the
emergence of a critical new avenue for the treatment of many diseases,
including cancer. Their work has led to the awarding of the 2005 Lasker Prize.
Dr. Tak Mak (Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital,
Toronto) initially studied T cells and his pivotal early work led to the
cloning of the T cell receptor, a major milestone in our understanding of the
immune system. His later studies have utilized mouse genetics to identify the
roles of many of the key regulators of cell growth and differentiation. A
major focus of this work relates to breast cancer.
Dr. Tony Pawson (Samuel Lunefeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai
Hospital, Toronto) has been studying molecular aspects of cell signaling,
especially the roles of cancer genes. A major breakthrough was the emergence
and confirmation of his hypothesis that signal transduction is controlled by
the formation of protein complexes. This work has led to a paradigm shift in
our understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of cell biology and cancer.
About CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of
Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new
scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health,
more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian
health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and
support to close to 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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For media assistance or to arrange an interview with any of the participants:
Marie-France Poirier
CIHR Communications
(613) 941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
