A Tribute to Canadian Excellence

UBC Medicine has taken a momentous step to honor some of Canada's brightest minds in the field of healthcare. The prestigious Margolese National Brain Disorders Prize for 2025 celebrates Dr. Sheena Josselyn, a trailblazer whose groundbreaking work is reshaping our understanding of memory and related disorders.

Dr. Sheena Josselyn: The Memory Maestro

As a senior scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children and a professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Josselyn's pioneering research into memory function has unveiled the existence of 'engrams'—the very neurons that help us store and recall experiences. This monumental finding marks a pivotal advancement in neuroscience, offering hope for those battling memory-related conditions such as PTSD, addiction, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's.

Innovative Approaches Transforming Neuroscience

Utilizing cutting-edge methods to visualize and manipulate memory traces in animal models, Dr. Josselyn is not just contributing to academic knowledge; her work is revolutionizing treatments in psychiatry and fundamentally altering our grasp of how memory shapes our lives.

Advancing Heart Health With Gendered Insights

The 2025 Margolese National Heart Disorders Prize is awarded to Dr. Louise Pilote, whose ground-breaking work highlights the critical role of sex and gender in cardiovascular research. A prominent professor at McGill University and a distinguished clinician scientist, Dr. Pilote leads an innovative team dedicated to integrating gender analysis into health outcomes.

Dr. Louise Pilote: Redefining Cardiovascular Research

Renowned for creating tools that examine the gender dynamics influencing cardiovascular disease, Dr. Pilote has been instrumental in forming a collaborative network of over 50 researchers through her GENESIS project. Her work not only expands scientific knowledge but fosters equity in healthcare, guiding a future where both medical and social sciences converge for better outcomes.

Revolutionizing Pediatric Cancer Care

Lastly, UBC Medicine is proud to recognize Dr. Poul Sorensen with the 2025 Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research. As a dedicated researcher at UBC and an authority in pediatric oncology, Dr. Sorensen's contributions have transformed the landscape of childhood cancer diagnostics and treatments.

Dr. Poul Sorensen: Champion of Young Patients

By identifying genetic factors that drive rare childhood cancers, Dr. Sorensen has developed molecular diagnostic tools that are now utilized in clinical settings worldwide. His collaborative spirit and dedication to the scientific community, including impactful roles with the World Health Organization, continue to pave the way for promising futures for pediatric patients.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

These remarkable researchers are not just reshaping their fields—they are building a legacy of innovation and hope. As they push the boundaries of science, they inspire the next generation of scientists and medical professionals to dream big and pursue excellence, ensuring a healthier tomorrow for all.