Crohn's and Colitis Canada Awards
From seasoned investigators to emerging researchers, the recipients of these awards drive essential research that advances our promise to discover cures and improve quality of life for people affected by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The Research Awards include the following:
Rising Star Award
Physician of the Year Award
IBD Nurse of the Year Award
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes the basic or clinical research accomplishments of an outstanding emerging investigator, within five years of their first faculty appointment (the five year period criterion will be extended for individuals who have taken extended leaves of absence due to life circumstances, such as parental or sick leave). The recipient is an innovative leader who advances Crohn's and colitis research in Canada, and has made an outstanding contribution to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s mission.
The award will be presented at the annual Meeting of the Minds in Toronto, Ontario on November 15, 2025. Recipients will have the opportunity to present their work as speakers of the conference. Travel and accommodation will be provided.
We would like to thank Dr. Remo Panaccione, for the generous travel and accommodation support provided through the Crohn’s Colitis Canada Chair in IBD Research at the University of Calgary. This support was instrumental in facilitating participation in this program and related events, and reflecting the strong commitment of the Chair in nurturing the next generation of IBD researchers and clinicians
Nominated by their fellow scientists, recipients of the Rising Star Award are innovative and productive leaders who are advancing Crohn's and colitis research in Canada and have made an outstanding contribution to the mission of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
Nomination criteria:
Nominations can be submitted by fellow scientists and IBD researchers. IBD scientists and researchers in Canada within 5 years of their first faculty appointment are eligible to be nominated.
Past Winners include:
| 2024 |
Dr. Eileen Crowley, London, ON |
| 2023 |
Dr. Heather Armstrong, Winnipeg, MB |
| 2022 |
Dr. Christopher Ma, Calgary, AB |
| 2021 |
Dr. Amanda Ricciuto, Toronto, ON |
| 2020 |
Dr. Yasmin Nasser, Calgary, AB |
| 2019 |
Dr. Neeraj Narula, Hamilton, ON |
| 2018 |
Dr. Sanjay Murthy, Ottawa, ON |
| 2017 |
Dr. Reena Khanna, London, ON |
| 2016 |
Dr. Eric Benchimol, Nepean, ON |
Submit a Rising Star nomination
The deadline for nominations is August 30 – 5 PM ET.
Click here to complete the application.
Physician of the Year Award
The Physician of the Year Award recognizes a physician who has made exceptional contributions to the clinical care of patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In addition, the recipient is acknowledged by patients and families as a caring and dedicated healthcare provider who has made a substantial impact to the delivery of clinical care of Crohn’s and colitis patients. This award celebrates those specialists who have displayed a steadfast commitment to their patients, serving as both physician and patient advocate, often beyond normal “office” hours.
The award will be presented at the annual Meeting of the Minds in Toronto, Ontario, on November 15, 2025. Should you attend the meeting, you will receive complimentary registration and be presented with the award at the start of Canada Future Directions in IBD.
Past Winners include:
2024 Dr. John Marshall, Hamilton, ON
2023 Dr. Farhad Peerani, Edmonton, AB
2022 Dr. Adam Weizman, Toronto, ON
2021 Dr. Premysl Bercik, Hamilton, ON
2020 Dr. Remo Panaccione, Calgary, AB
2019 Dr. Kerri Novak, Calgary, AB
2018 Dr. Ian Epstein, Halifax, NS
2017 Dr. Jennifer Jones, Halifax, NS
2016 Dr. Tony Otley, Halifax, NS the Year Award
Submit a Physician of the Year nomination
The deadline for nominations is August 30 – 5 PM ET.
Click here to complete the application.
IBD Nurse of the Year Award
The Outstanding IBD Nurse of the Year Award recognizes a nurse who has made exceptional contributions to the clinical care of patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In addition, the recipient is acknowledged by patients and families as a caring and dedicated healthcare provider who has made a substantial impact to the delivery of clinical care of Crohn’s and colitis patients. This award celebrates those specialists who have displayed a steadfast commitment to their patients, serving as both nurse and patient advocate, often beyond normal “office” hours. The award will be presented at the annual Meeting of the Minds in Toronto, ON.
Past Winners include:
2024 Shauna Hill, New Westminster, BC
2023 Amanda Swain, Vancouver, BC
2022 Heather Bélanger, Ottawa, ON
2021 Kelly Chavez, Montreal, QC
2020 Krista Uusoue, Toronto ON
2019 Barbara Currie, Halifax, NS
2018 Joan Heatherington, Calgary, AB
The deadline for nominations is August 30 – 5 PM ET.
Submit a Nurse of the Year nomination
The deadline for nominations is August 30 – 5 PM ET.
Click here to complete the application.
Contact information
If you have any questions about the AWARDS, please do not hesitate to connect with Kalendar Inc. Direct your questions to:
Lois Logie, Director
Tel. (647) 203-6116
Email: lois.logie@rogers.com
Kelly Nicholls, Project Manager
Tel. (416) 797-9525
Email: kelly.nicholls.to@gmail.com