Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research
Winners will receive a personalized glass plaque commemorating their award, along with a $20,000 prize (per award) to be put towards their research program
Canadian Cancer Society Inclusive Excellence Prize
The Inclusive Excellence Prize* is given to an individual who has demonstrated leadership in the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion as it relates to the cancer research ecosystem in Canada. CCS recognizes that the best outcomes in research are derived through leveraging the diversity that is Canada’s strength. Research ecosystems that reflect a population are known to ask more diverse research questions, have more innovative approaches, ideas and solutions and are thus more likely to produce outcomes that have impact. The recipient of this award will be an individual permanently residing in Canada whose efforts in fostering inclusive excellence have led to significant, measurable improvements in the diversity of Canada’s cancer research ecosystem.
*See CCS Research Inclusive Excellence Action Plan for additional context.
Cancer research ecosystem is defined as the network of cancer researchers, postdoctoral fellows, students, technical staff, knowledge users, health care providers and community stakeholders, including patients, survivors and caregivers, who are synergistically contributing to the generation, synthesis, dissemination, exchange and application of cancer research in Canada.
Canadian Cancer Society Lifetime Contribution Prize
The Lifetime Contribution Prize is given to an esteemed Canadian whose contributions to cancer research extend beyond traditional research accomplishments and outputs. The recipient of this award will be an individual permanently residing in Canada who has enhanced the Canadian cancer research landscape through their vision and leadership in the development of networks, collaborations, resources, infrastructure, or other contribution(s) (including advocacy work leading to policy change) that have/has significantly benefited Canadians affected by cancer.
Canadian Cancer Society Robert L. Noble Prize
The Robert L. Noble Prize is given for outstanding achievements in basic biomedical cancer research. It is named in honour of Dr Noble, an esteemed Canadian investigator whose research in the 1950s led to the discovery of vinblastine, a widely used anticancer drug. At the time, vinblastine was one of the most effective treatments available for Hodgkin lymphoma.
The recipient of this award will be an investigator permanently residing in Canada whose contributions have led to significant accomplishments in a body of work in basic biomedical cancer research and who is, normally, still engaged in the conduct of cancer research.
Canadian Cancer Society O. Harold Warwick Prize
The O. Harold Warwick Prize is given for outstanding achievements in cancer control research. It is named in honour of Dr Warwick, a pioneering researcher in cancer control and treatment, and the first executive director of the former National Cancer Institute of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.
The recipient of this award will be an investigator permanently residing in Canada whose contributions have led to significant advances in cancer control and who is, normally, still engaged in the conduct of cancer research.
For the purposes of this award, cancer control is meant to include clinical (including clinical trials), health services, epidemiological, behavioural, psychosocial, population-based or similarly applied research aimed at reducing the burden of cancer. Cancer control does not include research in the basic biomedical sciences.
Canadian Cancer Society William E. Rawls Prize
The William E. Rawls Prize is given to an early career investigator whose outstanding contributions have the potential to lead to, or have already led to important advances in cancer control. It is named in honour of Dr Rawls, past president of the former National Cancer Institute of Canada. His research focused on viruses, particularly those involved in chronic diseases and cervical cancer.
The recipient of this award will be an investigator permanently residing in Canada who began their independent research career within the previous 11 years. To account for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research community, please note that CCS has temporarily extended the eligibility window for early career investigators for another year – all those who began their independent research career after December 31, 2009 will be eligible for nomination. Taking into consideration any leaves, the start of the independent career will be defined as the date that the candidate was first appointed as an independent scientist or faculty member.
For the purposes of this award, cancer control is meant to include clinical (including clinical trials), health services, epidemiological, behavioural, psychosocial, population-based or similarly applied research aimed at reducing the burden of cancer. Cancer control does not include research in the basic biomedical sciences.
Canadian Cancer Society Bernard and Francine Dorval Prize
The Bernard and Francine Dorval Prize is given to an early career investigator whose outstanding contributions to basic biomedical research have the potential to lead, or have already led to improved understanding of cancer treatments and/or cures. It is named in honour of Bernard and Francine Dorval, whose longstanding support of CCS has helped to raise more than two million dollars in support of CCS-funded research, policy work and programs.
The recipient of this award will be an investigator permanently residing in Canada who began their independent research career within the previous 11 years. To account for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research community, please note that CCS has temporarily extended the eligibility window for early career investigators for another year – all those who began their independent research career after December 31, 2009 will be eligible for nomination. Taking into consideration any leaves, the start of the independent career will be defined as the date that the candidate was first appointed as an independent scientist or faculty member.
Previous Research awards recipients
The Canadian Cancer Society promotes and recognizes excellence and outstanding achievements in cancer research.
Since 1993, we have acknowledged some of the country’s best researchers with our Canadian Cancer Society Awards for Excellence. We are proud to honour these talented individuals who have played a key role in the advancement of cancer research.
These individuals have made rich and meaningful contributions, whether in advancing biomedical cancer research or conducting research that has made a major impact on cancer control in Canada. Congratulations to all our award winners!