Top moments from Gairdner Science Week in Toronto

Canada's premier scientific celebration of global excellence has just wrapped up, and it brought brainpower, discovery, and a little bit of glamour to Toronto.

Each fall, Gairdner Science Week turns the city into a global science hub that connects top researchers, students, and curious minds through free events, talks, and celebrations that prove science is for everyone.

From Parliament Hill to York University, this year's lineup mixed deep conversations about health and innovation with moments that reminded us why discovery matters.

Couldn't make it? Here are 10 standout moments from Gairdner Science Week 2025.

1. Breakthroughs that started in Toronto

At the International Symposium, researchers celebrated the Toronto roots of cystic fibrosis research: from Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui's discovery of the CFTR gene at SickKids to this year's laureates Dr. Michael J. Welsh and Dr. Paul Negulescu, whose work turned that finding into life-changing therapies.

2. A patient met researchers who saved her life

Stephanie Stavros and Dr. Michael Welsh. Gairdner Foundation.

Stephanie Stavros, the first Canadian to receive the cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta, attended the Gairdner Awards gala, where she met the researchers behind her life-changing therapy. It was an incredible and emotional full-circle moment that connected discovery to human impact.

3. The women of Gairdner led an inspiring conversation

In collaboration with Women's College Hospital, 2025 laureates Dr. Jennifer Stinson and Dr. Iva Greenwald held a conversation on mentorship, systemic barriers, and the future of equity in research. It was an inspiring reminder of how representation and mentorship can spark lasting change in science.

4. A history-making win for nursing science

Dr. Jennifer Stinson from SickKids.

Dr. Jennifer Stinson from SickKids became the first-ever nurse clinician scientist to win a Gairdner Award — recognized for her groundbreaking work in digital health and pain management for children. It was a milestone moment for nursing medicine and interdisciplinary research.

5. The Oscars of science lit up the ROM

The week wrapped up with a black-tie gala celebrating the 2025 laureates and their transformative contributions to human health. The night of elegance, recognition, and storytelling was attended by leaders in science, government, and philanthropy alike.

6. A legacy of leadership was celebrated

President and Scientific Director, Dr. Janet Rossant. 

Gairdner's long-time President and Scientific Director, Dr. Janet Rossant, was celebrated at the Gala as she prepares to conclude her tenure in early 2026. Tributes from the scientific community reflected on her legacy of mentorship, innovation, and lasting impact in science.

7. Audiences heard the soundtrack of science

In what has become a cherished Gairdner tradition, each laureate picks a song to walk (or dance) up to receive their award. This year's picks included everything from Alicia Keys to Gordon Lightfoot.

8. The Laureate Lectures platformed discovery

Dr. Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas.

A free event featured all eight 2025 Gairdner Award-winning scientists speaking on some of today's biggest health discoveries and the stories behind their research. It was a highlight for anyone curious about how life-changing scientific discoveries actually happen.

9. From pipettes to policy: Science took the hill

Gairdner brought science straight to Parliament Hill to highlight how research impacts Canadians everywhere. The event featured conversations between laureates, researchers, and policymakers on the role of science in shaping public health and Canada's role as a leader in evidence-based innovation.

10. Toronto universities teamed up for the first-ever Science Week hub

For the first time, Gairdner partnered with Toronto's universities to create a central hub for Science Week events. Hosted by York University and joined by the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University, the collaboration brought world-class science straight to the city's students.

Why it all matters

For more than six decades, the Gairdner Foundation has celebrated world-class science, with one in four laureates later receiving a Nobel Prize. Beyond the awards, Gairdner Science Week is about connection: inspiring students, engaging communities, and celebrating the people behind discoveries that improve lives.

Whether you're interested in science and culture or just want to engage in city events, curious minds can thrive in Toronto with the help of Gairdner. Visit them online to explore year-round programs and digital recordings, and keep an eye out for next year's Gairdner Awards Announcement coming March 31, 2026.