Canadian cell biologist and immunologist Ralph M. Steinman is best remembered for his association with the Rockefeller University and for his co-discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in strengthening the immune system. Unfortunately, he died of pancreatic cancer shortly before the announcement of his Nobel Prize win.
Known for his independent work on ribonucleic acid (RNA), molecular biologist Sidney Altman co-won the 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering that RNA, which was thought to be a passive carrier of genetic codes, is also capable of taking up active enzymatic functions. The discovery is significant in that it forced scientists to reexamine traditional theories on cellular functions.
Ernest Armstrong McCulloch redefined medical research with his work on cell biology and his discovery of stem cells, along with James Till. Born to affluent parents, he had an elite childhood and went to school in a chauffeur-driven car. The Albert Lasker Award-winning scientist was also a Royal Society Fellow.
Canadian-American cell biologist Keith Roberts Porter is remembered for his groundbreaking research on the use of the electron microscope to study cells and tissues. The National Medal of Science winner had also chaired the Harvard biology department. He also established the American Society for Cell Biology.
Irene Uchida was a Canadian scientist best remembered for her research on Down syndrome. She is also remembered for her association with the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg, where she served as the director of Medical Genetics Department. Irene Uchida also worked as a professor at prestigious institutions like the University of Manitoba and McMaster University.
Canadian evolutionary biologist and academic Dolph Schluter is known primarily for his studies on adaptive radiation. His research on sticklebacks has helped him develop the concept of ecological speciation. He teaches at the University of British Columbia and has penned books such as The Ecology of Adaptive Radiation.
Canadian ichthyologist Helen Battle was also the first Canadian woman to get a PhD in marine biology. She taught for over 50 years and was primarily associated with the University of Western Ontario. She also co-established the Canadian Society of Zoologists and was a champion for women’s participation in science.
Canadian oceanographer and marine biologist Timothy R. Parsons had been associated with the Fisheries Research Board of Canada and UNESCO’s Office of Oceanography in Paris. He later taught at the University of British Columbia. His research was focused on establishing a holistic new ecosystem approach to studying oceans.