Value proposition

Celebrating excellence, convening leaders, inspiring the next generation. Home to the Canada Gairdner Awards.


Best known for the prestigious prizes we award for world-class research in the fields of biomedicine and global health, the Gairdner Foundation is an integral part of the Canadian scientific community.

With a mission to celebrate scientific excellence, convene leaders and inspire the next generation, Gairdner’s reach spans far beyond the Canada Gairdner Awards to raise the profile of science in Canada through its impactful educational outreach programs.

For more than 60 years, Gairdner has been celebrating and rewarding international excellence in fundamental research affecting human health. Annually, eight prizes are awarded:

Five Canada Gairdner International Awards for excellence in biomedical research

One John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for outstanding achievements in global health research

Two Canada Gairdner Momentum Awards to mid-career researchers with exceptional scientific research contributions and continued potential for impact on human health


Biomedical Research, International Awards, Student Outreach, Students in STEM, Global Health, Biomedicine, and Women in STEM