Dr. Rashmi Kothary

A Fellowship in the Academy is considered one of the highest honours for individuals in the Canadian health sciences community and carries with it a covenant to serve the Academy and the future well‐being of the health sciences irrespective of the Fellow’s specific discipline.

Dr. Rashmi Kothary is a translational neurobiologist whose research focusses on neuromuscular and neuro-myelination disorders, including studies of remyelination in the central nervous system and the pathogenesis of spinal muscular atrophy. 

He is a Senior Scientist and former Deputy Scientific Director and at OHRI, Full Professor at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Kothary was the co-founder of the uOttawa Centre for Neuromuscular Disease. 

Dr. Tanya Halsall

Each year, CBRCanada recognizes excellence in community-based research through its national award program, celebrating projects with the potential to create transformative societal impact that benefits and uplifts marginalized communities across Canada and beyond. In 2025, the CBR Canada Award Adjudication Committee selected Dr. Tanya Halsall for an honourable mention for the Emerging Community-Based Researcher Award.

Dr. Tanya Halsall is a community-engaged researcher whose work focuses on promoting youth well-being through participatory approaches that involve young people, families and service systems in research and policy development. Her recent projects include national studies on outdoor learning, integrated youth services, and the Canadian adaptation of the Icelandic Prevention Model for youth substance-use prevention.  

She is a Scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal, an Assistant Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, and an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. 

Dr. Mark S. Freedman

This award honours trailblazers, innovators and visionaries who are acknowledged by their peers for outstanding contributions to multiple sclerosis research; in 2025, Dr. Mark S. Freedman was selected as the inductee in the Research category.  

Dr. Freedman is a neurologist and researcher whose work spans molecular neurochemistry, immune-mechanisms of damage in MS and pioneering clinical trials including stem-cell and cell-based therapies; his research has helped reshape the understanding and treatment of aggressive multiple sclerosis. 

He is Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at the University of Ottawa, Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit at the Ottawa Hospital—General Campus, and he served as lead investigator of the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Study in MS and co-director of the International Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in MS study group. 

Dr. Emilio Alarcón

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, presented by Western Union, is the first and only national award program celebrating immigrant success stories from coast to coast. Each year, the award honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and fields across Canada, selected through a rigorous process of nomination, judging, shortlisting and public online voting.

Dr. Emilio Alarcón, originally from Santiago, Chile, is a scientist and innovator whose research focuses on the fabrication, development and implementation of new biomaterials with regenerative capabilities for the repair of heart, skin and soft tissues. His pioneering work in biomaterial design and regenerative medicine aims to advance safer, more effective therapies for cardiovascular and soft-tissue repair.

He is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa, a Scientist in the Division of Cardiac Surgery, and Director of the Bio-nanomaterials Chemistry and Engineering Laboratory (BnCE) at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. 

Dr. Downar’s research has focused on palliative care and ethics in serious illness, with emphasis on end-of-life decision-making, medical assistance in dying (MAiD), and serious illness communication. Among his achievements are developing national clinical guidelines, advancing palliative care training, and shaping policy on complex care.

Dr. Downar holds the Clinical Research Chair in Palliative and End-of-Life Care, is the Head of the Division of Palliative Care and a cross-appointed Full Professor with the  Department of Medicine and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, a Staff Physician in the Department of Critical Care at The Ottawa Hospital, an Investigator at the Bruyère Research Institute, an Adjunct Professor at the Queensland University of Technology School of Law, and Co-Chair of the Pan-Canadian Palliative Care Research Collaborative, leading innovation in compassionate, evidence-informed care. 

Dr. Knoefel’s work has focused on aging and smart technologies, with emphasis on sensor-based systems to support independent living for older adults. Among his achievements are developing in-home monitoring technologies, advancing geriatric rehabilitation, and contributing to healthy aging policy and practice.

Dr. Knoefel holds the Bruyère Chair in Research in Technology for Aging in Place, is a Senior Investigator at the Bruyère Research Institute, a physician at the Bruyère Memory Program, an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering at Carleton University, and is advancing technology-enabled care for older adults. 

Dr. Parks’ research has focused on gene therapy and neuromuscular disease, with emphasis on viral vectors, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and muscular dystrophy. Among his achievements are developing novel therapeutic approaches, leading CIHR teams, and mentoring trainees in molecular medicine.

Dr. Parks is a Senior Scientist in Regenerative Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, a Full Professor in the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and Medicine, and Director of PhD Research in the Department of Medicine at The Ottawa Hospital, leading advances in gene therapy and regenerative medicine. 

Dr. Kothary’s work has focused on neuromuscular disorders and regenerative medicine, with emphasis on spinal cord injury and cytoskeletal biology. Among his achievements are directing large-scale research programs, leading international SMA collaborations, and holding several major leadership roles in neuroscience.

Dr. Kothary is a Senior Scientist in Regenerative Medicine and Deputy Scientific Director at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, a Full Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Medicine and is recognized for his pioneering work on the mechanisms of motor neuron disease and translational neuroscience. 

Dr. MacKenzie’s research has focused on rare genetic diseases, with emphasis on therapeutic development for spinal muscular atrophy and drug repurposing. Among his achievements are co-founding CHEO’s gene discovery programs and playing a key role in advancing Canada's rare disease research ecosystem.

Dr. MacKenzie is a Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, known internationally for his contributions to genetic medicine and child health. 

Dr. Graham’s work has focused on knowledge translation and implementation science, with emphasis on improving the use of research evidence in health policy and practice. Among his achievements are co-developing the Knowledge-to-Action Framework and leading national and international efforts to close the evidence-practice gap.

Dr. Graham is a Senior Scientist in Methodological and Implementation Research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, a Distinguished University Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, an Honorary Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, a Scholar in Residence at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and a member of the Centre for Implementation Research, recognized globally for transforming how research informs real-world health decisions. 

Dr. Vanderhyden’s work has focused on the molecular biology of ovarian cancer, with emphasis on disease modeling, cell signaling, and translational research. Among her achievements are establishing national ovarian cancer networks, mentoring hundreds of trainees, and engaging the public in women’s health research.

Dr. Vanderhyden holds the Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research, is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, and a Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, demonstrating her enduring impact on cancer research and advocacy in Canada.   

Dr. Abdulla’s work has focused on family medicine and health system transformation, with emphasis on seniors’ care, health innovation, and physician leadership. Among his achievements are leading provincial health policy initiatives, championing digital health adoption, and mentoring future health leaders.

Dr. Abdulla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, a practicing family physician in Ontario, and former Chair of the Ontario Medical Association’s Section of General and Family Practice, known for his vision of accessible, integrated care. 

Dr. Leader’s research has focused on reproductive health and ethics, with emphasis on fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and patient-centered care. Among his achievements are co-founding the Ottawa Fertility Centre and contributing to policy on reproductive rights and access to care.

Dr. Leader is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and an internationally respected clinician, ethicist, and innovator in fertility and reproductive medicine. 

Dr. Leonard’s work has focused on community-based research in HIV/AIDS, with emphasis on harm reduction, health equity, and the needs of women and marginalized populations. Among her achievements are engaging in peer-led research, influencing harm reduction policy, and mentoring scholars in public health.

Dr. Leonard is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, recognized for integrating community voices into meaningful public health solutions. 

Dr. Kevin Burns’ research has focused on kidney disease and hypertension, with emphasis on vascular injury, renal regeneration, and chronic kidney disease. Among his achievements are leading CIHR-funded research programs, mentoring nephrologists, and advancing knowledge of renal microcirculation.

Dr. Burns is a Senior Scientist in Inflammation and Chronic Disease at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, a Full Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Director of the Kidney Research Centre at OHRI, and a nephrologist at The Ottawa Hospital, with a long-standing commitment to excellence in kidney research and care. 

Dr. Kitty’s work has focused on Indigenous health and medical education, with emphasis on culturally safe care, health advocacy, and Indigenous leadership in medicine. Among her achievements are shaping national curricula, mentoring Indigenous medical learners, and advocating for systemic change in healthcare delivery.

Dr. Kitty is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, a Cree family physician, and Director of the Indigenous Program in the Faculty of Medicine, advancing reconciliation and equity in Canadian health education. 

Dr. Katey Rayner’s research has focused on inflammation and immune cell function in cardiovascular disease, with emphasis on identifying novel molecular targets in atherosclerosis and heart failure.  

Dr. Rayner is the University Research Chair in Vascular and Metabolic Inflammation, a Full Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Assistant Dean of Research (2022–2024) in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President of Research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Scientist and Director of the Cardiometabolic microRNA Laboratory, leader of the Ottawa Regional Strategic Research Innovation Cluster on Vascular Inflammation and Metabolism, and a recipient of the Joseph A. Vita Award (American Heart Association), the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences Young Investigator Award, and a member of the College of New Scholars of the Royal Society of Canada. 

Dr. Jennifer Reed is a leading expert in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation, recognized for her pioneering work on how exercise and lifestyle interventions can improve heart health across diverse and underserved populations. Her research has helped reshape clinical practice by advancing sex- and gender-specific approaches to cardiovascular care, ensuring more equitable and effective prevention and recovery strategies.

She is an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health and a Scientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, where she leads innovative research programs, mentors emerging scientists, and contributes to national and international efforts aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Christian Vaillancourt is a clinician-scientist whose two-decade research programme focuses on improving care and survival for sudden cardiac arrest, trauma and pre-hospital emergencies. He has led major national initiatives in resuscitation science, including generating Canada’s first national statistics on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and steering the national network Canadian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (CanROC).  

He is a Full Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Vice-Chair Research & Scholarship, Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), and holds the Research Chair in Sudden Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation.