In a bold move to position Canada as the ultimate destination for the brightest minds in medical research, whose work will help build our future economy, UHN is unveiling the ambitious Canada Leads 100 Challenge to recruit 100 world-leading early-career scientists to Canada's No. 1 hospital.
As part of the strategy, which was announced at a news conference on Monday, April 7, 2025, UHN will focus on the recruitment of scientists whose research has the potential to fuel economic development, Canadian-based manufacturing and high-quality jobs.
"Attracting and retaining the best scientists and entrepreneurs is critical to the future economic growth of Ontario and Canada," said Dean Connor, Chair of the UHN Board of Trustees. "Canada Leads is designed to accelerate the rapid development of a powerful science-based economy that will translate into world-leading discoveries, protect Canada's universal health system and create exponential economic spin-off in manufacturing, biotech and commercialization."
To ignite this transformational opportunity, UHN, with the support of UHN Foundation, has already secured an initial investment of $15 million to recruit the first 50 scientists. As part of the challenge, UHN Foundation and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation will now work to secure the matching investment to reach the goal of 100 new recruits.
Along with a two-year research funding commitment, Canada Leads awardees at UHN will also benefit from coaching and mentorship by leading entrepreneurs. UHN will also be introducing a Global Mobility Expert to their team to help support the seamless transition of the new scientists to Canada.
"I'm thrilled to see UHN launch the Canada Leads 100 Challenge that will attract the best and brightest scientists to Ontario from around the world," Ontario Premier Doug Ford said at the event at UHN's Toronto General Hospital. "Initiatives like these complement Ontario's significant investments in health care and our life sciences sector to drive Ontario's cutting-edge medical research that improves the lives of all Ontarians, creates high-quality jobs and strengthens our economy.
"Congratulations to UHN on this remarkable endeavour — it's a win for our province and a brighter future for everyone," added Premier Ford, who was joined at the news conference by Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Nolan Quinn, Ontario's Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence & Security.
Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO of UHN, said the circumstances are right for this initiative.
"The time is now. The opportunity is now," Dr. Smith said. "Canadian-born discoveries can be commercialized here at home and that means our patients benefit first. It also offers the promise of a made-in-Canada supply chain of advanced medical products and services for use at home and globally."
Dr. Brad Wouters, UHN's Executive Vice President of Science & Research, said the initiative is part of a collective ambition for Canada to become a global leader in medical research, discovery and commercialization.
"Our aspiration is to see this replicated across Canada to ultimately recruit 1,000 early-career scientists," Dr. Wouters said. "In the spirit of Canada Leads, we're acting now and seizing this moment of opportunity.
"We call on all sectors to help us realize this ambition and welcome others to join us."
Realizing a true transformation to a science-powered economy requires federal, provincial and municipal governments to make unprecedented investments and policy changes that position Canada as the destination for top talent.
UHN looks forward to working with the next Government of Canada following the current election campaign.
"Canada Leads represents a bold and urgent call to action — an investment in talent, discovery and a healthier, more prosperous future," said Ms. Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. "At UHN Foundation, we are proud to help ignite this vision by supporting the world's most promising scientists to Canada's No. 1 hospital, ensuring that breakthrough ideas take root and flourish right here at home.
"We thank the founding donors for their leadership and call upon the community to match their $15-million investment to create a $30-million fund."
For more information, visit: UHNCanadaLeads.ca.
