Recognizing Outstanding Contributions to the Canadian Cancer Research Community 
The CCRA Awards, initiated in 2011, recognize and celebrate on a biennial basis the outstanding contributions of individuals who have had a remarkable impact on cancer research and the cancer research community.
An awards presentation was held at the Canadian Cancer Research Conference in Halifax on November 12th to recognize the five awardees for 2023. In alphabetical order, they are: Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research; Dr. Tak Wah Mak for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research; David McMullen for Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research; Dr. Stephen M. Robbins for Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research and Dr. Mandana Vahabi for Distinguished Service to Cancer Research.
For more about our awardees:
Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov, recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research, is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba and Senior Scientist, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute. He is being recognized for the transformative and international impact of his research in the fields of psycho-oncology and palliative care, and his commitment to patient dignity and improving care and compassion to people at the end of life. For more, please view the brief video below and read this inspiring interview with Dr. Chochinov.
Dr. Tak Wah Mak, recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research award, is the Director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Senior Staff Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University Professor, University of Toronto and University of Hong Kong. He is being recognized for his scientific contributions and global leadership in advancing our understanding of the genetics and molecular biology of cancer and the immune system, which have laid the foundation for modern immunotherapies. For more, please view the brief video below and read this inspiring interview with Dr. Mak.
Mr. David McMullen, recipient of the Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research award, is passionate and very active in many leadership and advisory roles in Myeloma Canada and Canadian Myeloma Research Group, and is a Canadian Cancer Trials Group Patient Representative. He is being recognized for his long-term involvement in promoting and participating in patient engagement in cancer clinical trials and other research, and his extensive work developing and conducting support programs for patients with multiple myeloma. For more, please view the brief video below and read this inspiring interview with Mr. McMullen.
Dr. Stephen M. Robbins, recipient of the Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research award, is the Director of the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research at the Jewish General Hospital and the Glaxo Smith Kline Chair in Pharmacology and Professor, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology at McGill University. He is being recognized f for assuming important leadership roles throughout his career, working to elevate all pillars of Canadian cancer research nationally and internationally, and promoting a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive cancer research enterprise. For more, please view the brief video below and read this inspiring interview with Dr. Robbins.
Dr. Mandana Vahabi, recipient of the Distinguished Service to Cancer Research award, is a Professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University and an ICES Adjunct Scientist. She is being recognized for her pioneering, innovative, and impactful research in often underfunded areas and for shining a light on the importance of integrating research into practice, particularly for underserved communities in Canada and India. For more, please view the brief video below and read this inspiring interview with Dr. Vahabi.
Learn more about previous CCRA Awards recipients: