Awards
Recognizing excellence and pivotal contributions to health science for Canada, for the world.
That’s why Canada’s Health Research Foundation has a proud fifty-year tradition of investing year after year in life science. This includes funding for research and programs that support better patient outcomes, sustainable health care and improved quality of life for all Canadians.
The Medal of Honour
Since its inception in 1945, the Medal of Honour has been awarded to remarkable individuals whose research or contributions to public policies supportive of research and development in Canada have achieved international recognition. All recipients have made pivotal contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the health sciences and/or the improvement of therapeutics healthcare.
The award recipient receives $20,000 to donate to the research-based, Canadian academic institution of their choice, along with being presented with the prestigious Medal of Honour at the HRF’s annual awards event.
Nominations
We are now accepting nominations for 2023! Nominations are accepted from any Canadian individual or organization and is not limited to industry. The nomination deadline is July 14, 2023. Any nomination submitted can be considered for up to two award cycles. The nominee’s work/research must have been performed in Canada by a Canadian resident.
Submit a nomination
You can nominate a candidate for the HRF Medal of Honour – please use the form featured below. Once completed, it can be submitted via email.
HRF Medal of Honour Nomination Form
The HRF Medal of Honour is granted by the Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada on an annual basis. To submit a nomination, please download and complete the form, and send along with the other materials detailed in this document to [email protected] by July 14, 2023.
HRF Medal of Honour Terms of Reference
Please download and review the HRF Medal of Honour Terms of Reference before submitting a nomination.
Past Recipients
1945
Sir Alexander Fleming
For the discovery of penicillin.
1948
Dr. Charles H. Best
For the co-discovery of insulin.
1950
Dr. Edward C. Kendall
For the discovery of cortisone.
1952
Dr. T. Clarence Routley
Recognition of his exemplary statesmanship in establishing the World Medical Association.
1955
Sir Henry Hallett Dale
Recognition of his many pharmacological contributions to the advancement of medical science.
1958
Dr. Wilder Graves Penfield
For his contribution to neurological sciences.
1964
Dr. Ray Farquharson
For the clinical assessment of antibiotics, service as a leading medical educator and Chairman of the Medical Research Council of Canada.
1967
Dr. Murray L. Barr
For his original work on the sex chromatin and developmental anomalies in man.
1973
Dr. Gustave Gingras
For the excellence of his contributions to the science of Rehabilitation.
1989
Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui and Dr. Jack Riordan
For the discovery of the defective gene Causing cystic fibrosis.
1992
Dr. Raymond U. Lemieux
For his pioneering research in Carbohydrate chemistry, leading to the development of effective agents.
1994
Dr. Henry J.M. Barnett
For his contribution to the field of cerebrovascular disease, specifically stroke treatment and prevention.
1994
Dr. David L. Sackett
For his contributions to the development of rigorous scientific methodology for clinical research.
1996
Dr. Bernard Belleau
For the discovery of 3TC (posthumously).
1999
Dr. Michel Chretien
For his contribution to the research and application of converting enzymes.
1999
Dr. Nabil Sediah
For his pioneering contributions to research on enzymes and the compounds that produce them.
2007
The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, QC
For his contribution to the Canadian health care system.
2012
Dr. Charles M. Scriver and Mr. Arnold Steinberg
For ensuring the addition of Vitamin D to milk in Quebec and in establishing a Metabolic Food Distribution centre.
2013
The Honourable Kelvin K. Ogilvie
For the invention of the “Gene Machine” and Ganciclovir as well as his contribution to public policies supportive of health research in Canada.
2013
Dr. Julio Montaner
For his life changing contributions to the field of HIV/AIDS including development of Highly Active Antiretroviral and Treatment as Prevention Therapies.
2014
Dr. Charles Tator
For his contribution as one of the world’s premier academic neurosurgeons and his dedication to the research of brain and spinal cord injuries.
2014
Dr. Robert Young
For his role in the discovery and development of Singulair®.
2015
Dr. Norman Campbell
For his role in the creation of a clinical guideline program for the control of Hypertension in Canada.
2016
Dr. Robert Young
For his role in the discovery and development of Singulair®.
2017
Dr. Ian Stiell
For his role in the healthcare research of emergency room care and triaging.
2018
Dr. David Jenkins
For his role in the creation of the glycemic index and the development of the Portfolio diet in Canada.
Diversity & Equity in Research Award
The Diversity and Equity in Research Award recognizes outstanding individuals whose work advances equitable participation in health research and access to health care in Canada, improving the well-being of all Canadians, particularly those facing inequities.
Nominations
We are now accepting nominations for 2023! Nominations are accepted from any Canadian individual or organization. The nomination deadline is September 15, 2023. Any nomination submitted can be considered for up to two award cycles. The nominee’s work/research must have been performed in Canada by a Canadian resident.
Submit a nomination
Please use the form below to nominate a candidate for the HRF Diversity and Equity in Research Award. Once completed, it can be submitted via email.
HRF Diversity & Equity in Research Nomination Form
HRF Diversity & Equity in Research Terms of Reference
Please download and review the HRF Diversity & Equity in Research Terms of Reference before submitting a nomination.
The Prix Galien Canada – Product Innovation Award
Presented to a drug that has made the most significant overall contribution to patient care in Canada.
For more information please visit Prix Galien Canada.
Prix Galien Canada – Product Innovation Award Submission Form
The Prix Galien Canada – Innovative Product Award will be presented to a drug, launched at least 12 months ago and no more than 60 months (5 years) ago, that has made the most significant overall contribution to patient care in Canada, according to the Jury of Prix Galien Canada. To submit a nomination, please download and complete the form and send to [email protected] by August 2, 2023.
Prix Galien Canada – Product Innovation Guidelines
Please download and review the Prix Galien Canada – Product Innovation Guidelines before submitting a nomination.
