2011 Research Award

Dr. Pieter R. Cullis, PhD
Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia

The Prix Galien Canada 2011 Research Award is presented to Dr. Pieter R. Cullis, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia.

Dr. Cullis is an internationally recognized pioneer and leader in the field of lipids, biological membranes and liposomal drug delivery systems. His drug delivery systems have produced improved formulations of several cancer therapies as well as other drug agents. His lipid nanoparticles delivery system is a leading technology worldwide, enabling the therapeutic potential of siRNA. He has been very active in the development of several biotechnology companies and is recognized as a remarkable researcher and innovator. He has trained many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, several of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in their own right.

Dr. Pieter Cullis completed his PhD in Physics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1972 and then pursued postdoctoral training in biochemistry at the University of Oxford as an MRC postdoctoral fellow and at the University of Utrecht as a fellow of the European Molecular Biology Organization. He joined the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UBC in 1978 and was appointed professor in 1985.

The Prix Galien Canada Research Award is open to any individual or team of researchers who has been involved for at least the last five years in biopharmaceutical research, making a substantial contribution to the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of diseases. Candidates from academia, health care institutions, research centres and the pharmaceutical industry are eligible.