2017 INDUCTEE Michael Hayden, MD PhD Cells, Genetics & Genomics
November 21, 1951
(Cape Town, South Africa)
MB ChB Medicine, University of Cape Town (1975)
PhD Genetics, University of Cape Town (1979)
2025: Honorary Doctorate, Doctor of Science in Medicine (honoris causa), University of Cape Town
2020: Humanitarian Award
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2025: Honorary Doctorate, Doctor of Science in Medicine (honoris causa), University of Cape Town
2020: Humanitarian Award
2020: David Dubinsky Humanitarian Award, American Friends of Soroka Medical Center (AFSMC)
2015: One of 100 most inspirational and influential persons in Pharma by PharmaVoice
2014: Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Gottingen
2014: Luminary of the Year, Personalized Medicine World Conference
2013: One of 50 Canadians born in the 20th century who have changed the world in a book by Ken McGoogan
2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
2011: Champion of Genetics, The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation
2011: Killam Prize, Canada Council of the Arts
2011: Aubrey J. Tingle Prize, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
2011: Margolese National Prize, University of British Columbia
2011: Canada Gairdner Wightman, Gairdner Foundation
2011: Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence, LifeSciences British Columbia
2010: Member of the Order of Canada
2010: Jacob Biely Faculty Research Prize, University of British Columbia
2009: Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Alberta
2009: Order of British Columbia
2008: Canada’s Health Researcher of the Year, CIHR Michael Smith Prize in Health Research
2005: Fellowship, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Canada
2001: Lifetime Achievement Award, Huntington Society of Canada
1995: Elected Member, Royal Society of Canada
Transformed our understanding of Huntington’s Disease
An authority on Huntington’s Disease and a pioneer in genetic research
Dr. Hayden has declared, “No diseases are hopeless anymore. The way I see them is that their secrets have just not yet been identified.” His work in deciphering vast and complex genomic and cellular data is helping to unveil secrets of intractable disease. For example, his research into the mechanisms of Huntington’s Disease (HD) has produced reliable predictive tests and new opportunities for prevention and treatment. His related research into mutations of the protein ABCA1 may hold promising applications for the understanding and treatment of diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Key Facts
Written more than 840 peer-reviewed publications and invited submissions
Is the most cited author in the world for Huntington’s Disease
Contributed to the development of personalized dosing recommendations and cautionary labelling to reduce adverse drug reactions
Founded three Canadian biotechnology companies
With colleagues, he built a recreation, counselling and learning centre in Cape Town that aims to reduce HIV/AIDS infection rates by providing a safe and open environment for local youth
Organized the first summer camp for patients with Huntington’s Disease
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
By successfully translating his pioneering work into effective therapeutic strategies, along with his ability to foster networks of scientists, Dr. Hayden has greatly contributed to the field of genetic research and patient well-being. In particular, his work on Huntington’s Disease has laid the groundwork for an effective approach to therapy for this rare condition.
2025
-
Michael Hayden inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Quebec City, Quebec
-
Dr. Hayden was recognized as one of the 100 Most Inspiring People in the Pharmaceutical Industry by Pharmavoice
-
Dr. Hayden became the Director of the Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine in Singapore
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentThe following year he began serving as President of Global R &D and Chief Scientific Officer of Teva Pharmaceuticals headquartered in Israel.
-
Along with Dr. Bruce Carleton, Dr. Hayden created Genotype-Specific Approaches to Therapy in Childhood
Cells, Genetics & GenomicsThis revolutionary network brings together experts from across many institutions and disciplines.
-
Learning from the success of the South Africa Clinic, Dr. Hayden founded BC’s first Huntington’s Disease Clinic
Cells, Genetics & Genomics -
As part of an effort to translate scientific discoveries into commercial products, Dr. Hayden established NeuroVir Pharmaceutic
Cells, Genetics & GenomicsIn 1997 and 2001, he also founded Xenon Genetics, Inc. and Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Inc.
-
For 19 years, Dr. Hayden served as the Director of the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics in Vancouver
Leadership in Organizational Development -
To facilitate increased scientific collaboration, Dr. Hayden established the Canadian Collaborative Network on Predictive Testing for Huntington's Disease
Cells, Genetics & GenomicsHe later established two other research networks: the Canadian Genetics Disease Network and the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety.
-
BC’s first annual summer camp for Huntington’s Disease patients was established by Dr. Hayden
-
Dr. Hayden came to Canada and joined the medical faculty at the University of British Columbia
-
Dr. Michael Hayden established the 1st Huntington’s Disease Clinic in South Africa
Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Service AbroadThe clinic was the first of its kind in Africa.
-
Medical Student Charles Oscar Waters authored the first description of Huntington’s Disease (HD)
Cells, Genetics & Genomics
1979
An explorer in medicine and never afraid to push new boundaries.
You might also be interested in these Laureates
