Dr. Janet Rossant ANDREW F. HOLMES DEAN OF
MEDICINE DISTINCTION LECTURES
Dr. Janet Rossant, PhD, FRS, FRSC
Chief of Research, SickKids
Senior Scientist, Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, SickKids
Lombard Insurance Chair in Pediatric Research
University Professor, Department of Molecular Genetics, Obstetrics and Gynecology,
University of Toronto
Title
Stem cells and early lineage development
When
Friday, October 18, 2013
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where
CP Leblond Amphitheatre
Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building
3640 rue University
Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6
Dr. Janet Rossant, SickKids Chief of Research and a world-renowned expert in developmental
biology, is the definition of a trailblazer. Widely known for her studies of the genes that control
embryonic development in the mouse, Dr. Rossant has pioneered techniques for following cell
fate and altering genes in embryos. This work continues to resonate in medical genetic
research. Her current research focuses on stem cell development and cell differentiation in the
developing embryo, important areas for the study of birth defects as well as regenerative
medicine. Firmly planted on the front lines of technological change, Dr. Rossant has
established SickKids as a global forerunner in genetic research.
Janet Rossant was born in Chatham, UK, and trained at the Universities of Oxford and
Cambridge, United Kingdom. In 1977, Dr. Rossant moved to Canada and joined the faculty at
Brock University. From 1985 to 2005, she was a leading researcher at the Samuel Lunenfeld
Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. She joined SickKids in 2005 and
became Chief of Research of the Research Institute. She is also a University Professor at the
University of Toronto.
Dr. Rossant has been recognized for her contributions to science with many awards, including
the Killam Prize for Health Sciences, the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology, the
Conklin Medal from the Society for Developmental Biology, and the CIHR Michael Smith Prize
in Health Research, Canada’s most prestigious health research award. She is a Fellow of both
the Royal Societies of London and Canada, and is a foreign Associate of the US National
Academy of Science. Dr. Rossant was most recently recognized in June 2013 in Cancun, Mexico
with the Ross G. Harrison Medal (lifetime achievement award) from the International Society
of Developmental Biologists.