2019 Canada Gairdner Wightman Award Recipient: Connie Eaves

The Gairdner Awards, also known as Canada’s Nobels, was established in 1957 to recognize medical research of those Canadians whose work contributes to improving quality of human life, more than 80 Gairdner champions have gone on to win a Nobel Prize. They recognize 7 recipients annually in three separate categories. The Wightman Award category is focused on research leaders in the field of medicine and medical science.

Connie Eaves is a MIND Alumni. As a local ambassador, Connie was vital in welcoming over 4000 delegates for the 2014 International Society for Stem Cell Research, Annual International Scientific Meeting. She is being recognized for her key discoveries in blood stem cells, including the technique development of separating cancerous from normal blood cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia which continued into her research in breast cancer and further key discoveries.

Stemcell Technology Inc., the largest biotech company in Canada, was pioneered by Connie and her husband, Allen Eaves. Connie has helped many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, showcasing her true commitment and leadership in stem cell research. She continues to advocate for women in science and has a strong passion for her community.

Congratulations Connie on this prestigious award!