Women in IBD Researcher Award

Presented in partnership with Pfizer Canada

Crohn's and Colitis Canada will not be running this competition in 2026.

This award recognizes an outstanding female researcher, whether in basic or clinical science, who has served as an inspiring leader and role model in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research community. Nominations are evaluated by an independent panel of IBD experts, operating at an arm’s length from pharmaceutical partners. The recipient will be granted $20,000 in support of their research program.

Nomination Criteria

  • Open to IBD scientists and researchers in Canada
  • Nominations can be submitted by fellow scientists or IBD researchers. Self-nominations are also accepted

Selection Criteria

The recipient will be selected by a Selection Panel comprised of individuals from the following groups, at the discretion of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, and as appropriate:

  • Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Scientific and Medical Advisory Council;
  • Canadian Community of Practice of IBD Nurses (CANIBD) members;
  • Crohn’s and Colitis Canada IBD patient volunteers;
  • Crohn’s and Colitis Canada staff; or
  • Other individuals as deemed necessary by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada

How to Apply

  1. Complete the nomination form below
  2. Attach a letter of support from the nominating applicant, the nominee’s department head, or a colleague
  3. Attach a CV highlighting the nominee’s accomplishments as it pertains to this award

Past Recipients

Recipients of the Women in IBD Researcher Award:

2025     Dr. Deanna Gibson, Kelowna, BC
2024     Dr. Laura Sly, Vancouver, BC
 

Recipients of the Women in IBD: Outstanding Researcher Award:

2023     Dr. Yasmin Nasser, Calgary, AB
2022     Dr. Dana Philpott, Toronto, ON
2021     Dr. Maitreyi Raman, Calgary, AB
2020     Dr. Elena Verdu, Hamilton, ON

Recipients of the Women in IBD: Emerging Researcher Award:

2023     Dr. Heather Armstrong, Winnipeg, MB
2022     Dr. Cathy Lu, Calgary, AB
2021     Dr. Amanda Ricciuto, Toronto, ON
2020     Dr. Vivian Huang, Toronto, ON

Contact

For questions about Crohn's and Colitis Canada research grants or awards, please contact:

Research Grants Administrator
Tel: (416) 920-5035 ext. 252
Email: research...crohnsandcolitis...ca


This award is presented in partnership with

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  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

Other Areas of Interest