2014 INDUCTEE Max Cynader, PhD Brain & Mind
February 24, 1947
(Berlin, Germany)
PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1972)
2008: Member of the Order of Canada
2007: Order of British Columbia
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2008: Member of the Order of Canada
2007: Order of British Columbia
2007: Researcher of the Year, Life Sciences BC
1995: Gold Medal in Health Sciences
1987: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
1981: Killam Research Prize
Fellow of the Canadian Academy for Health Sciences
Shaped our understanding of brain plasticity
A leading neuroscientist who transformed views on the nature of the brain
Dr. Cynader is a passionate spokesperson for brain health, often using his unique ability to explain complex concepts in lay terms to capture the interest of local, national and international audiences. Through his research, scientists now understand the extreme importance of the plasticity of the developing brain on processes as diverse as developing stereoscopic binocular vision, learning to speak a new language, learning to read, and developing the capacity for making moral judgments.
Key Facts
His research underpins much of the recent emphasis in public policy and the media on the importance of the first few years of life
Authored more than 200 scientific articles and presented more than 350 papers at national and international scientific meets
Is the Principal Investigator in Canada’s Network of Excellence in Stroke
Holder of several patents
Contributed to technology development including gene therapy products to treat brain diseases and a new “listening chip” found in devices from intelligent hearing aids to advanced dictation systems
Was a semi-finalist in the Canadian Astronaut Programme
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Cynader’s vision of bench to bedside medicine and his capacity to make that vision a reality ensures that the impact of his research will be felt by patients all across Canada. In addition, Dr. Cynader continues to serve the public through his effective communication of the importance of brain research as well as his ability to bring together multidisciplinary experts to address the major questions of brain health.
2024
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Max Cynader inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Kingston, Ontario
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Oversaw the expansion of the Brain Research Centre
Now the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, the centre is housed in a 147,500 square foot facility.
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In recognition of his leadership in neuroscience, Dr. Cynader became a Canada Research Chair in Brain Development until 2016
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NeuroVir was sold to a German biotechnology company that took NeuroVir’s technology into clinical trials
Brain & MindDr. Cynader was one of the scientific founders of NeuroVir, a Vancouver-based biotechnology company developed to create gene therapy products for the treatment of brain diseases. He also co-founded the Wavemakers Research Company.
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After a decade at UBC, Dr. Cynader was appointed Founding Director of the Brain Research Centre
Brain & MindUnder his leadership, the centre has become a leading neuroscience entity that boasts over 250 researchers.
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Joined the University of British Columbia as Professor and Director of the Ophthalmology Research Group
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While at Dalhousie University, awarded the E.W.R. Steacie Fellowship of the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council as one of Canada’s outstanding young scientists
1979
The pace of discovery is continuing to accelerate.
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