After a rigorous global search process, we are pleased to announce that a renowned cancer scientist and global research leader will succeed Dr. Janet Rossant in leading one of the world’s most prestigious biomedical prize foundations.
Dr. Heather Munroe-Blum, Chair of the Gairdner Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Morag Park CQ PhD FRSC FCAHS, as its new President and Scientific Director as of June 1, 2026. Dr. Park succeeds Dr. Janet Rossant, who led the Foundation with great distinction for a decade and whose tenure concluded end of May 2026.
Dr. Park is an internationally recognized cancer researcher and scientific leader whose work has transformed the understanding of breast cancer and significantly advanced the field of precision oncology. Her pioneering research on the MET receptor, a key driver of tumour growth and metastasis, helped lay the foundation for targeted cancer therapies used around the world today. Dr. Park is a distinguished James McGill Professor and held the Diane and Sal Guerrera Chair in Cancer Genetics at McGill University’s Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec. She was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2026 in recognition of her accomplishments and impact.
Beyond her scientific discoveries, Dr. Park has played a leading role in shaping Canada’s research ecosystem. As Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (2008–2013), she spearheaded national initiatives in personalized medicine and cancer prevention. As co-chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance — comprising more than 30 funding agencies — she led the development of Canada’s first Pan-Canadian Cancer Research Strategic Plan. Dr. Park has built and led research programs that have shaped the cancer research landscape in Canada and beyond.
As President and Scientific Director, Dr. Park will lead the Foundation’s internationally recognized awards program and educational outreach initiatives. These advance the Foundation’s role in recognizing transformative discoveries, inspiring future generations, and strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in science and innovation. Dr. Park assumes leadership at a time of growing momentum for the Foundation, as it expands its reach, partnerships, and impact both across Canada and around the world.
Read the full press release on the Gairdner’s site.