A number of UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers and spin-off companies are among the recipients of the 25th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards, highlighting the significant role UBC community members are playing in propelling B.C.’s life sciences sector forward.
B.C. is home to Canada’s fastest-growing life sciences sector with unparalleled momentum in scientific discovery, innovation and talent development. The Life Sciences BC Awards recognize the exceptional achievements of individuals, companies and organizations across the sector that are successfully advancing health innovations and enriching this dynamic ecosystem.
“B.C. is leading the country in building an extraordinary biomedical innovation ecosystem that is bringing lifesaving treatments to patients here at home and around the world,” says Dr. Robert McMaster, vice dean, research at the UBC Faculty of Medicine. “These awards underscore how members of the Faculty of Medicine community are fuelling a wave of scientific research, innovation and partnership that is growing the sector and creating pathways to better health for patients and communities. Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees.”
The award recipients were announced by Life Sciences BC on July 11. Open to individuals, companies and organizations involved in the human life sciences sector, recipients are peer-nominated and selected by a committee of senior leaders from across the sector.
“For a quarter of a century, the Life Sciences BC Awards has provided an exceptional opportunity for the community to come together to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements across our ecosystem,” said Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO of Life Sciences BC. “It is a testament to the collaborative nature of our community, as we acknowledge the significant contributions from all corners of the sector.”
The award recipients will be celebrated in person at the 25th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards Gala on September 14 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.
This year’s awardees include the following UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers and spinoff companies.
Companies of the Year
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., a UBC spinoff company co-founded by Dr. Simon Pimstone, clinical associate professor in the department of medicine, and Dr. Michael Hayden, University Killam Professor in the department of medical genetics.
Companies to Watch
- Gandeeva Therapeutics, a UBC spinoff company founded by Dr. Sriram Subramaniam, professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Individuals
- Scientific Entrepreneurship: Dr. Peter Zandstra, professor and director of the School of Biomedical Engineering.
- Genome BC Scientific Excellence: Dr. Laura Arbour, professor in the department of medical genetics situated at the UBC Island Medical Program.