The Canada Gairdner International Award 2025 is one of the world’s most prestigious honors in science and medicine. Presented annually by the Gairdner Foundation, the award recognizes researchers whose groundbreaking discoveries in human biology and disease have had a transformative impact on global health and scientific advancement.
Established to highlight outstanding achievements in biomedical and translational research, the award is unique in celebrating specific, seminal discoveries rather than lifetime contributions. Its purpose is to spotlight research that has measurably advanced the understanding of human biology and continues to shape medical progress worldwide.
Each year, nominations are invited from across the globe and remain under consideration for up to five years, ensuring thorough review and recognition of impactful research.
The Gairdner Foundation – an internationally recognized institution dedicated to celebrating excellence, inspiring innovation, and promoting scientific leadership in medical research.
Recipients of the Canada Gairdner International Award gain worldwide recognition and receive:
$250,000 prize
Official medal and citation
Invitation to participate in Gairdner Week events
Honors at the Annual Gairdner Awards Gala (October), where awardees present their pioneering work
Nominees must:
Be exceptional research scientists who have made transformative contributions to understanding human biology and disease
Demonstrate a distinct, significant body of work (not simply lifetime achievement)
Be eligible for joint nomination if discoveries were made collaboratively or in parallel with others
All nominations must be submitted via the official Gairdner Award Application Portal.
Nomination Period: Opens mid-April 2025 – Deadline: October 1, 2025
Nominee Details – Professional and contact information
Citation (150 words max.) – Concise summary of research impact
Research Summary (1,000 words max.) – Detailed description of scientific contributions
Top Five Publications – With brief notes on significance
Short CV (10–20 pages) – Academic and professional record
Nominee in Context (1,000 words max.) – Explanation of research significance, influence, and role in collaborations
Letters of Evaluation (3–5 letters, 2–3 pages each) – From independent experts assessing the nominee’s contributions
1. What is the award about?
A global honor recognizing transformative contributions to human biology and disease research.
2. Who can be nominated?
Exceptional scientists with seminal discoveries in biomedical or translational research.
3. Can multiple scientists be nominated together?
Yes. Co-nominations are accepted for equal contributors or parallel discoveries.
4. What is the prize amount?
Each awardee receives $250,000, plus a medal, citation, and participation in Gairdner Week.
5. Is this a lifetime achievement award?
No. It recognizes specific research contributions, not entire careers.
6. How long is a nomination valid?
Up to five years.
7. What documents are required?
Nominee details, citation, research summary, five key publications, CV, nominee context, and 3–5 evaluation letters.
8. Can nominations be updated?
Yes. The portal allows updates from April through October 1 annually.
9. Are resources available for nominators?
Yes. Live online Q&A sessions (May–September) and recorded guides support nominators.
10. When is the ceremony held?
At the Gairdner Awards Gala in late October 2025.
📌 Apply Now: Submit your nomination via the official Canada Gairdner International Award Application Portal before October 1, 2025.