Dr. Tak Mak, director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, and Dr. John Dick, senior scientist at Princess Margaret Hospital, have been awarded the first ever Premier’s Summit Awards in Medical Research. Of fourteen applicants in its inaugural year, four were selected for their contributions to their field, the research community, and their promise for even more world-leading work in the future.

Dr. Tak Mak is an internationally renowned immunologist, whose discoveries, including the T-cell receptor, have had a significant impact on our understanding of cancer and immunity. His current research focuses on finding more effective and specific treatment for malignant tumours. Dr. Mak’s research program proposes to develop cancer drugs which target cancer cells without damaging the healthy cells surrounding tumours.

Dr. John Dick’s discovery of cancer stem cells, made this past year, is considered the most important discovery about the biology of cancer in the last decade. Dr. Dick proposes to continue his research into the nature of cancer stem cells. The therapies that will come out of his research will likely be less harmful to normal tissues and be able to attack the cancer root more effectively.

The award was presented at a gala dinner at the MaRS Centre on April 24.

The Premier’s Summit Award in Medical Research recognizes the extraordinary research being undertaken by individuals in Ontario by providing support in the form of $5 million over a five-year period, derived from a $2.5 million contribution from the Award program matched by $2.5 million from the sponsoring institution. Recipients must be internationally recognized leaders in medical research, whose work is transforming their field. The award is administrated by MaRS Discovery District.

“This award recognizes international quality research being undertaken now and in the future in Ontario,” said Paul Alofs, CEO & President of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. “To see two of our own researchers attaining such recognition speaks volumes about the world-class research being undertaken at Princess Margaret Hospital and the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research.”

Read the press release here.