John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award

Eligibility

A nominee for this award:

• Is an exceptional, research-focused scientific investigator impacting global health and health inequity.
• Has produced a distinct body of scientific research contributions by applying rational scientific approaches to discovery, implementation, evaluation or policy interventions.
• Is not primarily involved in administrative or advocacy roles

Summary

The John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award recognizes the world’s leading researchers who have used rational, scientifically based research to improve the wellbeing of those facing health inequalities worldwide. While a single significant scientific discovery would continue to be sufficient evidence to select a nominee, the Award will also recognize outstanding researchers who apply rational scientific approaches to successful implementation, evaluation and policy interventions.

Gairdner invites nominations from any field of research impacting global health and health inequity. The award is intended for research-focused candidates, not those primarily involved in administrative or advocacy roles. This award can be shared by multiple recipients at the discretion of the Foundation.

Quality nominations are essential to the evaluation process for this award. Packages should be accurate, current, and complete throughout the five year period of consideration. The nomination portal is open each year from mid-April- October 1 for edits, changes or additions by nominators.

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

Nominations for the 2026 International and Global Health Awards are due by 11:59 pm PDT on October 1, 2025.

This are strict deadlines. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the following year.

The 2026 recipients will be announced in March/April 2026, and presented in October of 2026.