Awards recognize exceptional contributions to cancer research

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) has announced the recipients of its inaugural awards, which recognize contributions to cancer research in Canada.

Dr Philip E Branton receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research for his outstanding contributions to the development of the cancer research community and inter-agency research collaboration in Canada through the founding of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance. Dr Branton is the Gilman Cheney professor of biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University.

Dr Anthony J Pawson receives the award for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research for his revolutionary work in cancer signal transduction leading to novel therapies for cancer patients. Dr Pawson is a distinguished scientist at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, and professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto.

André Picard receives the award for Distinguished Service to Cancer Research for his contributions to public education on cancer research and policy through exemplary journalism. Mr Picard is the public health reporter at The Globe and Mail and the author of three best-selling books.

“These awards are our way to acknowledge the exceptional contributions made by these individuals,” says Dr Elizabeth Eisenhauer, co-chair of the CCRA. “We are proud to highlight their achievements and the remarkable impact they have had on cancer research and the cancer research community.”

The awards will be presented during the CCRA’s Canadian Cancer Research Conference being held this week in Toronto.