Famous Canadian Biochemists

Keith L. Moore was a distinguished professor and academic leader in the field of anatomy. He served as Chair of Anatomy at the University of Toronto and was instrumental in founding the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. Moore co-authored several widely used English-language anatomy textbooks, including "Clinically Oriented Anatomy" and "Essential Clinical Anatomy." Throughout his career, Moore made significant contributions to medical education and research, leaving a lasting impact on the field of anatomy.

Shirley M. Tilghman is a prominent Canadian scholar in molecular biology and academic administrator. She made history as the first female president of Princeton University and the second female president in the Ivy League. A respected leader in molecular biology, she has been a professor of molecular biology and public policy and president emerita of Princeton University. Tilghman has also held leadership roles in the global scientific community, including serving as the 2015 president of the American Society for Cell Biology.

Charles Herbert Best was an accomplished American-Canadian medical scientist known for his co-discovery of insulin with Frederick Banting. He held the position of chair at the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research at the University of Toronto. Best also made significant contributions to research on choline and heparin. His groundbreaking work in the field of medicine has had a lasting impact on the treatment of diabetes and other related conditions, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in the medical community.

Michael Smith was a British-born Canadian biochemist and businessman who shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Kary Mullis for his pioneering work in developing site-directed mutagenesis. He obtained his PhD from the University of Manchester in 1956 and went on to conduct postdoctoral research with Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana. Smith held various positions throughout his career, including professor of biochemistry at the University of British Columbia and founding director of the UBC Biotechnology Laboratory. He also played a key role in establishing the Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence and the Genome Sequencing Centre.

Rudolf Vrba, a Slovak-Jewish biochemist and Holocaust survivor, is known for his courageous escape from Auschwitz in 1944 and his co-authorship of the Vrba-Wetzler report, which detailed the mass murder occurring in the camp. The report played a crucial role in halting the mass deportation of Hungary's Jews to Auschwitz, saving over 200,000 lives. After the war, Vrba pursued a career as a biochemist, primarily working in England and Canada.

Maud Leonora Menten was a pioneering Canadian physician and chemist known for her groundbreaking work in enzyme kinetics and histochemistry. She co-authored the renowned Michaelis-Menten equation with Leonor Michaelis in 1913. Despite facing gender barriers in Canada, she pursued research in Germany and later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Menten joined the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh, where she made significant contributions to the field of medicine until her retirement in 1950. Her distinguished career culminated in a professorship and research fellowship.

Tony Pawson was a distinguished British-born Canadian scientist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of molecular biology. He made significant contributions to understanding cell signaling mechanisms, particularly the role of protein interactions in regulating cellular processes. Pawson's research on signaling networks and protein domains revolutionized the field, earning him international recognition and numerous prestigious awards. His work laid the foundation for advancements in molecular biology and cancer research, influencing scientific understanding of cell communication and signaling pathways.

Tak Wah Mak is a prominent Canadian medical researcher, geneticist, oncologist, and biochemist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of immunology and cancer research. He gained recognition for discovering the T-cell receptor in 1983 and later elucidating the function of the immune checkpoint protein CTLA-4, paving the way for cancer immunotherapy. Mak founded Agios Pharmaceuticals, which developed the FDA-approved drug IDHIFA®, a milestone in cancer treatment targeting cancer metabolism. His work spans biochemistry, immunology, and cancer genetics, shaping advancements in medical science.

Fernand Seguin was a prominent Canadian biochemist known for his significant contributions to the field. He served as a respected professor, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students. Seguin also made science accessible to the public through hosting engaging programs on both radio and television. His work not only advanced the understanding of biochemistry but also inspired a wider audience to appreciate and be curious about science. Seguin's career was marked by a dedication to education, research, and science communication.