Promotional graphic for the 2026 Canada Gairdner Awards featuring Jeffrey W. Kelly, recipient of the 2026 Canada Gairdner International Award. The image includes a portrait of Kelly in a suit and tie against a grey background, alongside a Gairdner medal with a red ribbon. Text states that he was awarded for discovering tafamidis, the first effective treatment for transthyretin amyloidosis, providing evidence that protein aggregation drives neurodegeneration. Gairdner and Scripps Research logos appear

2026 Gairdner Lecture

The Faculty of Medicine is pleased to welcome 2026 Canada Gairdner International Award laureate Dr. Jeffery W. Kelly, recognized for discovering tafamidis, the first effective treatment for transthyretin amyloidosis and a landmark advance demonstrating the role of protein aggregation in neurodegeneration. 

Programming (*subject to change):

  • Networking Lunch: 12:00–13:30  (Atrium)
  • Lecture Program: 13:30–15:30  (Amphitheatre A)
    • 13:30 - 13:35 - Opening remarks: OVPRI
    • 13:35 - 13:40 - Land acknowledgement: Dr. Jocelyn Côté 
    • 13:40 - 13:45 - Gairdner Video: Gairdner VIP
    • 13:45 - 13:50 - Introduction of Dr. Jeffery Kelly: Faculty Member
    • 13:50 - 14:40 - Lecture + Q&A: Dr. Jeffery Kelly 
    • 14:40 - 14:45 - Introduction of Dr. Tammy Ryan: Gairdner VIP
    • 14:45 - 15:20 - Short presentation from Dr. Tammy Ryan 
    • 15:20 - 15:30 - Closing remarks 
  • Networking Reception: 15:30–16:00 (Atrium)

To learn more about Dr. Kelly’s research, watch his recent presentations and interviews here.

Dr. Tammy Ryan

Dr. Tammy Ryan

University of Ottawa alumna & 2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator (ECI)

Joining the program will also be 2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator (ECI) Dr. Tammy Ryan, a proud University of Ottawa alumna. Dr. Ryan completed her PhD in Biochemistry under the supervision of Dr. Ilona Skerjanc before pursuing a career in cardiovascular research. She is an adult electrophysiology fellow at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, and has recently begun her appointment as an Assistant Professor at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.

Accessibility
If you require accommodation, please contact the event host as soon as possible.
Date and time
Oct 20, 2026
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Format and location
In person
Atrium, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road
Language
French, English
Audience
Faculty members, Staff, Learners
Organized by
Faculty of Medicine Research Office