OTTAWA, June 9, 2021 – Research Canada is pleased to announce the 2021 Individual and Organization Leadership in Advocacy Awardees:
Individual Awardee: Dr. Aubie Angel, the founding and current President of Friends of CIHR (FCIHR), Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba and Senior Fellow at Massey College of the University of Toronto.
Organization Awardee: Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences, a professional association of active researchers and students in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics.
The Research Canada Leadership in Advocacy Award recognizes outstanding champions of health research and health innovation. Recognition of Canadian health research—the kind that attracts the necessary public and political support—often comes from the dedicated and tireless efforts of health research advocates who educate policymakers, the media and the public about the social and economic benefits of health research and its promise of future cures and, importantly, a better quality of life for all Canadians. This year’s winners exemplify this.
“Our sector is fortunate to have many highly skilled and dedicated individuals and organizations working tirelessly to ensure that health research and innovation is supported by Canadians and their leaders,” said Dr. Rose Goldstein, Chair of Research Canada and Professor of Medicine at McGill University. “It is the life-changing nature of our work that makes this activity so special, and our champions so cherished.”
“This year’s Awardees have gone above and beyond what is expected of health research advocates,” added Ms. Deborah Gordon-El-Bihbety, President and CEO of Research Canada. “Dr. Angel has made singular and exceptional contributions to Canada as a leading advocate for health research through novel initiatives that have engaged leaders, researchers and trainees. The Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences has been a tireless advocate for biomedical research and researchers, and this past year notably amplified the role of researchers, equity, diversity, inclusion and fundamental research in the fight against COVID-19.”
Research Canada will continue to recognize the achievements of our best and brightest advocates in the coming years with this annual award. We wish to thank those who submitted nominations, all of which were outstanding, for the 2021 Leadership in Advocacy Award.
About Research Canada
Research Canada is a national alliance dedicated to increasing investments in health research through collaborative advocacy and engaging government, academia, industry and non-profit sectors to build support for long-term health research funding. For more information, visit rc-rc.ca.
About the Winners
Aubie Angel, C.M. MD, MSc, FRCPC, FCAHS
Dr. Aubie Angel is a builder and champion of health care organizations in Canada. He is the founding and current President of Friends of CIHR (FCIHR), Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba, a Senior Fellow at Massey College of the University of Toronto, and President and Board Chair of the Diabetes Research and Treatment Centre. A leading endocrinologist and former head of internal medicine at the University of Manitoba, he co-founded the Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism to enable collaboration amongst specialists in his field. He was also a driving force in the establishment of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Friends of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, an organization dedicated to sharing the benefits of health research with Canadians.
Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences
The Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) is a professional association of active researchers in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. CSMB provides an interface between society and our scientific community, so we may continue to appreciate its functions and foster interaction, communication and collaboration amongst discovery scientists. This volunteer run organization is at the forefront of science communication, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and works to build the next generation of researchers for academia, industry and the entrepreneurial enterprise.
For inquiries:
Christie Tomkins
Manager of Policy and Public Affairs
613-234-5129
ctomkins@rc-rc.ca