UHN's Dr. John Dick is the recipient of the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Gold Leaf Prize, in recognition of his pioneering work as the first scientist to identify cancer stem cells. His research holds the promise of improved treatment and quality of life for cancer patients.
The
CIHR's Gold Leaf Prizes are among the highest honours that can be bestowed on an individual or team for excellence in health research and its translation into benefits for Canadians. This is the inaugural year of the
Gold Leaf Prizes, which are to be awarded to an individual or team every two years.
Dr. Dick, a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, has received CIHR's
Gold Leaf Prize for Discovery, which is awarded to individuals or teams whose research findings are unique, innovative and represent a ground-breaking discovery in any pillar of health research that has been seen to significantly influence knowledge in the field.
Each Gold Leaf prize is valued at $100,000 and winners also receive a medal.
Dr. Dick, who is also Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Biology, a Senior Scientist at the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine at UHN, a professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto and Director, Program in Cancer Stem Cells at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, will receive his medal at a ceremony to be hosted by the Governor General at Rideau Hall on May 16 in Ottawa.
