Government of Canada commits $10 million in support for Canada Gairdner Awards

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March 5, 2025 I Ottawa, Ontario I Canadian Institutes of Health Research       

Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced $10 million in additional funding to the Gairdner Foundation through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This new investment, provided in Budget 2024, will be used to increase the value of Gairdner’s flagship prize, the Canada Gairdner International Award, from $100,000 to $250,000. Five of these awards are given annually to outstanding biomedical scientists whose unique scientific contributions have increased the understanding of human biology and disease.

 Since 1957, the Gairdner Foundation has recognized scientific excellence around the world. Nearly 70 years later, Gairdner continues to celebrate achievement in biomedical and global health research with its suite of Canada Gairdner Awards, the country’s most prestigious awards in the biomedical sciences. Through its outreach activities, the Gairdner Foundation also increases public awareness of science and strengthens Canada’s reputation as a world leader in research and innovation.

 Past Gairdner Award winners include researchers responsible for life-changing scientific discoveries that have contributed to global scientific knowledge, saved countless lives, and improved the health and well-being of people around the globe. Notable past research projects include the discovery of cancer stem cells that revolutionized the treatment of leukemia and other cancers, the rapid development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, and the design of game-changing new treatments for diabetes and obesity.

The winners of the 2025 Canada Gairdner Awards will be announced on April 11 in Toronto and broadcast via livestream.  

“By showcasing the outstanding work of researchers and promoting public awareness of biomedical research, the Gairdner Foundation demonstrates the essential role that research plays in improving the health of Canadians.”

 

The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health

“Canada is home to world-class researchers whose discoveries are transforming health care and improving lives. By increasing our investment in the Gairdner Foundation, we are reinforcing Canada’s position as a global leader in science and innovation while recognizing the groundbreaking contributions of researchers across the country and around the world. This investment strengthens our research ecosystem, drives new discoveries, and inspires the next generation of innovators.”

 

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“CIHR is honoured to partner with the Gairdner Foundation to recognize scientific excellence among Canadian and international researchers. By tackling diseases, driving innovation, and improving health care, the Canada Gairdner Laureates are making a tremendous impact on the health of people in Canada and around the world, as well as helping to inspire the next generation of researchers.”

 

Dr. Paul Hébert, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“We are grateful for the Government of Canada’s recognition of our mission with a $10 million investment in the Gairdner Foundation. The investment enhances our awards, ensures their global competitiveness, and strengthens Canada’s reputation as a leader in science and innovation. We are happy to continue our close partnership with CIHR in promoting research excellence in Canada and around the world.”

 

Dr. Janet Rossant, President and Scientific Director, Gairdner Foundation

Quick facts

• The mission of the Gairdner Foundation is to celebrate, inform and inspire scientific excellence around the globe.
• Through the prestigious annual Canada Gairdner Awards, the Gairdner Foundation celebrates the world’s most creative and accomplished researchers whose work is improving the health and well-being of people around the world. 
• Since 1957, 426 awards have been bestowed on laureates from over 40 countries, and of those awardees, 102 have gone on to receive Nobel Prizes.
• A new investment from the Government of Canada of $10 million provided in Budget 2024 to the Gairdner Foundation through CIHR will increase the value of the Canada Gairdner International Award to enhance their international competitiveness and prestige.

For further information please contact:

Jordana Rosen

Senior Communications Advisor

Gairdner Foundation