2026 INDUCTEE Morag Park, PhD Cancer
November 21, 1955
(Edinburgh, Scotland)
PhD, Glasgow University (1983)
BSc, Glasgow University (1978)
2022: Research and Innovation Laureate, Foundation Y des Femmes
2021: Science Honouree, Israel Cancer Research Fund, Women of Action
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2022: Research and Innovation Laureate, Foundation Y des Femmes
2021: Science Honouree, Israel Cancer Research Fund, Women of Action
2021: Prix Armand-Frappier, Les Prix Scientifique du Québec
2021: Prix Michel-Sarrazin, Club de Recherches Cliniques du Québec
2021: l’Ordre national du Québec: Chevalière
2019: Grand Prix Scientifique, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
2017: Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
2017: Robert L. Noble Prize, Canadian Cancer Society
2016: Arthur Wynne Gold Medal Award, Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences
2013: Canadian Cancer Research Alliance Award for Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research
2007: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
2000: Barbara Bourne Tiffin Cancer Research Award
2000: Teacher of the Year Award, Department of Biochemistry, McGill University
A trailblazer in cancer research and precision therapies
Why do certain cells turn cancerous? Morag Park, PhD, has devoted her career to answering this question. An internationally recognized leader at McGill’s Goodman Cancer Institute, Dr. Park has illuminated the molecular basis of human cancer, especially breast cancer. Early in her career, she discovered and characterized the MET gene, frequently altered in solid tumours and a key driver of tumour growth and metastasis. Her insights into MET’s role in progression helped pave the way for precision therapies that improve patient care. Dr. Park was instrumental in establishing one of Quebec’s first breast cancer biobanks at the McGill University Health Centre. Using this resource, she revealed the critical roles of the tumour stroma and immune microenvironment in breast cancer progression, discoveries now integrated into clinical practice. Patient-derived tumour models from the biobank enable research on why individuals respond differently to therapies, advancing precision oncology.
Beyond her laboratory, Dr. Park has strengthened the cancer research community by leading large multidisciplinary teams and shaping national strategy. As a Chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance, she oversaw the first Pan-Canadian Cancer Research Strategic Plan, leaving a lasting impact on cancer research in Canada and beyond.
Key Facts
Discovered the MET oncogene and its receptor tyrosine kinase, a key signalling system that drives cancer growth and spread and is now an important target for precision cancer therapies.
Served as Scientific Director for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Cancer Research for 5 years
Is a world leader in studying how the tumour microenvironment influences breast cancer progression
Led the Quebec Cancer Consortium, which unites cancer centres and hospitals throughout the province
Renowned for her support for women in STEM fields, Dr. Park has used her platform to advocate for female scientists in Canada and internationally
Fun Fact: Still happiest walking the Scottish mountains, invariably in the rain, where a lifelong curiosity about science first began
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Morag Park’s career has transformed cancer care by bridging the gap between research and clinical application. Her characterization of the MET oncogene led to the development of targeted therapies that are now used to treat patients with lung and kidney cancers, and her research into the tumor microenvironment enabled physicians to better predict breast cancer outcomes. Dr. Park’s leadership in initiatives such as the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network has accelerated personalized medicine and ensured patients receive treatments specific to their genetic profiles, facilitating better outcomes.
2026
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Launched the Marathon of Hope Quebec Node
As co-leader of the Terry Fox Research Institute’s Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network’s Quebec Node, Dr. Park has continued to contribute to the development of personalized and precision medicine strategies for cancer.
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Became Director of the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute
For 12 years, Dr. Park helped build this dynamic cancer research environment and oversaw its transition to an institute.
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Landmark analysis on gene expression published in Nature Medicine
Dr. Park’s study profiled the stromal cells of human breast cancers. In her analysis, she demonstrated that changes in the composition of the tumour stroma could predict clinical outcome. This article has been cited nearly 2000 times and is considered a cornerstone of the field.
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Appointed Scientific Director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Cancer Research
During her tenure at the CIHR, Dr. Park was instrumental in establishing strategic objectives and funding priorities for Canadian cancer research, shaping the trajectory of cancer research in Canada for years to come.
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Appointed Director of the Molecular Oncology Group at the McGill University Hospital Centre
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Dr. Park created Quebec’s first breast biobank
Cancer, Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Women in MedicineMorag Park, PhD played an instrumental role in founding the first breast tumour bank in Quebec, a resource that would become critical for studying cancer heterogeneity and developing personalized medicine.
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Joined McGill University as a researcher in Biochemistry and Oncology
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Served as Research Head at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
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Morag Park discovered the MET oncogene
Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Cancer, Women in MedicineDr. Park’s discovery and characterization of this gene led to the development of new therapies for lung and renal cancers.
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Completed PhD in Tumour Virology at the University of Glasgow
1983
Dr. Park has identified the initial mutations that initiate the signalling pathway of a receptor such as MET, which leads to mutations and causes cancer.
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