Gairdner mourns the passing of Dr. Zena Werb

The Gairdner Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Zena Werb on June 17th, 2020.

Dr. Werb was one of the world’s leading experts on extracellular matrix influences on cancer development. Her fundamental discoveries led to new paradigms about the role of the cellular microenvironment and intercellular communication in breast development and cancer.

She was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, former President of the American Society of Cell Biology, and winner of numerous national and international awards. She was also a member of the Gairdner Foundation’s Wightman Award Committee, responsible for the annual adjudication of the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award.

She was an outstanding scientist and mentor and the Gairdner Foundation will remember her fondly for her contributions to our programming and awards. We wish her family, friends and colleagues strength during this difficult time.