2015 INDUCTEE Alan Bernstein, PhD Cancer, Global Health, Leadership in Organizational Development, Cells, Genetics & Genomics
June 25, 1947
(Toronto, Ontario)
PhD, University of Toronto (1972)
2023: Companion of the Order of Canada
2019: Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of Toronto
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2023: Companion of the Order of Canada
2019: Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, University of Toronto
2019: Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Western University
2019: Honoree - Canada’s Policy Champion, Public Policy Forum
2017: Order of Ontario
2017 Henry Friesen International Prize in Health Research
2014 Doctor of Science, honoris causa, University of Sherbrooke
2013 Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Queen’s University
2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2010 Doctor of Science, honoris causa, McGill University
2009 Doctor of Science, honoris causa, University of British Columbia
2009 Doctor of Science, honoris causa, University of Ottawa, Ottawa
2008: Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award
2008: The Biotechnology Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award
2007: Medal of Merit from the Montreal Clinical Research Institute
2007: Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Dalhousie University
2005: Member of the Royal Academy of Health Sciences
2002: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal
2002: Officer of the Order of Canada
2001: Australian Society of Medical Research Medal
2000: Henry Friesen Award, Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada
1998: Genetics Society of Canada Award of Excellence
1997: The Robert L. Noble Award, National Cancer Institute of Canada
1996: The McLaughlin Medal, the Royal Society of Canada
1991: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Advanced cancer therapy through his work on the KIT gene
A pioneer in gene therapy and cancer research
Alan Bernstein is a world renowned health leader, researcher and mentor. His published work on the KIT gene is classic, still cited often, and is the basis for important advances in cancer therapy. Dr. Bernstein completed his PhD at the University of Toronto and completed postdoctoral research in London at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, where he first began working on retroviruses. Since his return to Canada, he has continued to make important contributions to cancer and stem cell research as well as advanced studies into a vaccine for HIV. In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Bernstein has held important leadership positions in the field of health research. In the process, he has transformed the vision of what health research should look like.
Key Facts
Completed his PhD under the supervision of James Till with a focus on genetic analysis of membrane mutants Escherichia coli
Under his leadership, the CIHR saw a three-fold increase in its budget for health research
Authored more than 200 scientific publications
Chaired or is a member of advisory and review boards in Canada, the US, UK, Italy and Australia
Appointed to Canada’s COVID-19 Task Force in 2020
Serves as co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee for Stand Up 2 Cancer
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Through the research of Dr. Bernstein, scientists around the world have a better understanding of the behaviour of cells and the use of gene therapy in cancer treatment. On a broader scale, Dr. Bernstein has changed the landscape of health research in Canada through his pioneering vision of cross-discipline collaboration and advocacy for vital projects in health research. A passionate advocate for women in science, Dr. Bernstein is known for his inclusive and championing actions. A true teacher and inspirer, his willingness to speak to youth and emerging heath leaders at every turn has encouraged and impacted more lives than can be counted.
2025
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Appointed as University of Oxford, Director of Global Health
Leadership in Organizational Development, Global Health, Health and Medical Education & TrainingProfessor Alan Bernstein has been appointed as the new head of Oxford Global Health, which will bring together and showcase the breadth of global health research across the University of Oxford.
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Dr. Bernstein honoured for his service
Newly named U of T Professor Emeritus, CIFAR creates the Alan Bernstein Fellowship, paying tribute to his decade of service as President and CEO of CIFAR. The Fellowship is awarded annually to early-career scientists who show promise and commitment to the next generation of scientific leadership.
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Inducted in to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Began tenure as CEO of Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentCIFAR is a Canadian-based global research organization that convenes extraordinary minds to address the most important questions facing science and humanity.
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After seven years at the head of CIHR, Dr. Bernstein became the founding Executive Director of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise.
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentIn this role, Dr. Bernstein led the development of the 2010 Scientific Strategic Plan for HIV vaccine development.
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Alan Bernstein becomes President of CIHR
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentThrough his service and leadership as the founding President, CIHR transformed and expanded the landscape of health research in Canada. CIHR currently provides support to more than 14,000 researchers.
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When the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute in Toronto opened, Dr. Bernstein quickly became part of the team.
He remained at the Institute for 15 years and served as its Director of Research from 1994-2000. Dr. Bernstein’s leadership developed both the Institute’s reputation and impact.
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Joined the Ontario Cancer Institute
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Discovering Passions
Before pursuing a career in biology, Dr. Bernstein completed a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from Innis College at the University of Toronto.
1968
It’s possible to play at the front edges of science.
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