About this collection

As we face increasing global challenges, and are living longer, we all have a strong common need for good lifelong health, and access to effective medical care for sickness and injuries. Scientists studying health-related questions are leading our journey towards improved human wellbeing. To succeed, they must understand very complex body processes, and not just one, but also how the processes relate to each other, and how they all affect human health. Through ongoing research, our understanding of the human body deepens, enabling us to solve issues which could not be managed before, and improving human health with each breakthrough.
The Gairdner Foundation was established in 1957, with the goal of recognizing and rewarding international excellence in research that impacts human health. Annually, eight Canada Gairdner Awards are given to the world’s best biomedical and global health researchers. Between 1957–2025, 434 awards have been given to scientists from over 40 countries. 102 Gairdner Award laureates have gone on to win the prestigious Nobel Prize. The Gairdner Foundation brings people together to openly discuss science in order to better engage the public, understand the problems we face, and work together to find solutions. Through Gairdner Connects, the Foundation’s national outreach program, they bring science to communities across Canada to inspire future innovators and spark public dialogue about the role of research in addressing the world’s most pressing health challenges.

In this collection, dive into the latest discoveries made by the leading researchers who are the winners of the 2025 Canada Gairdner Awards, touching on many areas of research, from cell-level processes to digital therapeutics.

Explore the breakthrough research which answers fascinating questions such as:
• How can we better understand and treat cystic fibrosis?
• How do our cells communicate, and how can this help us understand cancer?
• Can we save many more lives from malnutrition?
• Are there better ways to approach and treat childhood illnesses-related pain?

To continually improve our understanding and our approaches to human health, scientists must keep working to deepen our collective knowledge, and explore the mysteries of our bodies. We hope this Collection will inspire curious minds like yours to keep asking questions, and join the future efforts towards the best possible human wellbeing!

You can explore the fascinating work of Gairdner’s 2023 Award Laureates, in the previous volume here.