Michael Smith Prize in Health Research
Created in 2002, the Michael Smith Prize in Health Research is administered by CIHR and honours the memory of the late Dr Michael Smith who, in 1993, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his discovery and development of a crucial technique, known as site-directed mutagenesis. Smith's discovery, used in genetic engineering, enabled researchers to gain enormous insights into the structure and function of genes and proteins.
Dr Smith strongly encouraged young people to pursue science as a career. He used his Nobel Prize winnings to promote science, encourage women to pursue interests in science, and support research on severe mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia.
The award consists of a medal and a research grant of $100,000 per year for five years. Presented annually to an outstanding Canadian researcher, it recognizes creativity, leadership, innovation, and dedication to health research. It provides funding to high-calibre researchers so that they can pursue important research, as well as support and mentor students.
Up to two finalists receive an award consisting of a medal and a research grant of $50,000 per year for two years.
2003
Dr B. Brett Finlay, Biochemistry and Microbiology
Finlay received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta in 1986. In 1989, he joined UBC as an Assistant Professor in the Biotechnology Laboratory. As a professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of British Columbia,Dr Finlay does important research on salmonella, E. coli, and H. Pylori. He discovered how the E. coli 0157:H7 bacterium binds to its host cell and developed a vaccine for cattle that is destroying this particular strain of the bacterium. His work is helping to reduce the human toll of E. coli outbreaks.