Women in IBD Awards encourage, recognize and reward the valuable contributions of outstanding women leaders in IBD research

Toronto (Ontario), May 21, 2020 ‒ Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and Pfizer Canada are pleased to announce the creation of two new awards to recognize and reward the valuable contributions of outstanding women leaders in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research. Nominations are now being accepted.

The annual Women in IBD Awards recognize women who are making outstanding contributions to the field of IBD research across two categories: (1) Outstanding Researcher that recognizes the exceptional contributions by an inspirational leading female researcher in IBD, and (2) Emerging Researcher that recognizes the contributions by a female IBD researcher in the early stages of her career. Nominations will be reviewed and selected based on the nominee’s impact on the Canadian IBD community, contributions to the mission of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, and demonstration of innovation and leadership in the field of IBD. Each prestigious award provides the recipient with funding towards IBD research.

“With the field of gastroenterology historically attracting fewer women in leadership roles, it is important for us to provide opportunities that encourage, recognize and reward women leaders in this field,” says Mina Mawani, President and CEO, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. “We are thrilled to launch this new award with the support of Pfizer Canada which honours women scientists in IBD research while also advancing innovative research which can improve the lives of people living with Crohn’s or colitis.”

“Research is at the heart of Pfizer’s mission to profoundly impact the health of Canadians through innovative solutions,” says Stella Ananthan, Head of Inflammation and Immunology Business Unit, Pfizer Canada. “We are proud to collaborate with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada to support women leaders in Canada that will help make innovations a reality for patients who need them most.”

The Women in IBD Awards are open for submissions. Nominate colleagues or apply through the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada website by Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Recipients of the award will be announced at the annual Meeting of the Minds IBD health education conference in November.

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is the only national, volunteer-based charity focused on finding the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the lives of everyone impacted by these diseases. We are the world’s second largest health charity funder of Crohn’s and colitis research, and our patient programs and advocacy efforts support the people affected by these chronic autoimmune diseases, which cause the body to attack healthy tissue, leading to the inflammation of all or part of the gastrointestinal tract. Visit crohnsandcolitis.ca for more information.

Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified healthcare portfolio includes some of the world’s best known and most prescribed medicines and vaccines. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

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Corporate Affairs Canada
Pfizer Canada Media Line: 1-866-9Pfizer (1 866 973-4937)
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Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Stacey Sheehan, Marketing and Communications Specialist,
1 800 387-1479 ext. 243, [email protected]