UBC Faculty of Medicine scientists Drs. Torsten Nielsen, Gina Ogilvie and Manish Sadarangani have been elected to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) as part of the RSC College’s 2024 cohort.
The 2024 cohort includes 104 new Fellows who have been elected by their peers for their outstanding scholarly achievements. They are distinguished individuals from all branches of learning who have made remarkable contributions in the arts, the humanities and the sciences, as well as in Canadian public life.
The RSC also welcomed 56 new Members to the College. The RSC College is Canada’s first national system of multidisciplinary recognition for the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership.
A total of 15 UBC researchers were announced by the RSC as new Fellows and as new Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. The 2024 Fellows and Members will be welcomed into the RSC in November, at the Celebration of Excellence and Engagement.
Read the full RSC announcement. The Faculty of Medicine inductees are:
FELLOWS
Dr. Torsten Nielsen, Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Torsten Nielsen is a clinician-scientist pathologist who is working to translate the vast amount of molecular information about cancer gained from new genomic technologies into practical advances that improve health. In sarcomas he has developed new, faster and more accurate diagnostics and made discoveries that have led to new targeted therapies. For breast cancer, he has developed tests that identify women who can safely avoid radiation and chemotherapy.
“I am from a generation of young Canadians who were inspired by Terry Fox to become cancer researchers,” said Dr. Nielsen. “I am truly honoured to have been recognized by the Royal Society for the part I have been able to play, so far, to help people affected by sarcomas and breast cancer. I am proud to be training the next generation of health care innovators through the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s MD/PhD program, who continually inspire me and give me much hope for the future.”
Watch Dr. Torsten Nielsen’s interview here.
Dr. Gina Ogilvie, Professor, School of Population and Public Health
Gina Ogilvie is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Global Control of HPV (human papillomavirus)-Related Disease and Cancer at the University of British Columbia. Her career is dedicated to eliminating cervical cancer in Canada and globally. She is internationally recognized for her research on reduced dosing of the HPV vaccine, improving HPV vaccine uptake, and innovative cervical screening methods, which have transformed health policy globally.
“Throughout my career, I have had the enormous privilege of working with an outstanding team of researchers and clinicians, focused on improving the lives of women and improving women’s health here in Canada and globally,” Dr. Ogilvie said. “I am absolutely delighted that the Royal Society has chosen to recognize the many years work of this team, highlighting how we can work together to eliminate cervical cancer and improve lives worldwide.”
Watch Dr. Gina Ogilvie’s interview here.
MEMBER
Dr. Manish Sadarangani, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Manish Sadarangani is an international expert in translational vaccinology, whose work uniquely encompasses laboratory, clinical and epidemiologic research. His scientific expertise enables him to respond quickly to changing priorities to tackle diverse knowledge gaps rapidly and produce high quality research findings to inform policy. Specifically, his research improves understanding of immune responses to vaccination, identifies high-risk groups to target immunization programs, and evaluates vaccine effectiveness to inform evidence-based policy.
“It’s a huge honour and privilege to be recognized by the Royal Society of Canada and join this group of highly esteemed individuals,” said Dr. Sadarangani. “I look forward to contributing to the future of Canadian science and healthcare in future years.”
Watch Dr. Manish Sadarangani’s interview here.