This national distinction recognizes outstanding contributions to science by Italian researchers across all disciplines in Canada.
Dr. Giada Sebastiani is the recipient of the prestigious Ingegno Italiano Award, presented by the Italian embassy in Ottawa. This national distinction recognizes outstanding contributions to science by Italian researchers across all disciplines in Canada. Dr. Sebastiani’s achievements stood out among nominees from across the country and she received the award in person from the Italian Ambassador on April 29 at Carleton University in Ottawa.
At The Institute, Dr. Sebastiani is a senior scientist in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH) Program and conducts research at the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE). An internationally recognized leader in hepatology, Dr. Sebastiani is a Professor of Medicine at McGill University whose research is focused on developing solutions for patients with fatty liver disease. This condition affects one in three Canadians and a leading cause of liver transplants. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges hepatology, endocrinology, radiology, public health, and gender medicine.
Dr. Sebastiani co-founded the Canadian Fatty Liver Network in 2018 and currently serves as President of the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver. In 2024, she helped produce a national strategy for the management of fatty liver disease in Canada and beyond.
As part of the award celebrations, Dr. Sebastiani gave a talk titled “Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives: Fighting a Silent Pandemic.” The event, Italian Talent in Canada: Excellence and Collaborations, was held in recognition of the Italian Day of Research in the World, celebrated annually to honour the legacy of Nobel Laureate Rita Levi Montalcini.
Dr. Sebastiani was also recently awarded the Fonds de recherche du Québec–Santé (FRQS) Chercheurs-boursiers / Chercheuses-boursières de mérite award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to liver disease research and advocacy in Quebec and beyond. This prestigious program recognizes a select group of seasoned researchers, chosen through a competitive process from among those completing the Chercheurs-boursiers and Chercheuses-boursières programs—specifically, at the senior level of the FRQS or an equivalent.
Congratulation Dr. Sebastiani on these exceptional honours!