Dr. Tony Pawson named honorary Doctor of Science at McMaster University

 

Dr. Tony Pawson, Distinguished Investigator at the Lunenfeld and Kyoto Prize Laureate, has been named an honorary Doctor of Science by McMaster University in Hamilton. This year’s honorary doctors were formally appointed at McMaster’s convocation ceremonies on June 8.
 

“It was marvelous to receive this special recognition from my colleagues at one of Canada’s leading universities, and to have the opportunity to give the convocation address to the graduating students as they start their careers,” said Dr. Pawson.
 

Every year, McMaster University awards honorary degrees to people who have made vital contributions to the university. The university’s honorary degree recipients are recognized for their contributions in such areas as public service, education and scholarship, as well as creative and performing arts. Dr. Pawson has collaborated extensively with past and present members of the McMaster University scientific community.

Dr. Pawson is world renowned for his research in cell signaling and transduction, and has revolutionized scientists’ understanding of the way our cells work in health and in disease. His discoveries contribute to many aspects of medical research and have relevance for the understanding and treatment of a range of diseases including cancer, diabetes, and disorders of the immune system. In the 25 years he has spent studying how cells grow and communicate with each other, he has become one of the top 25 cited scientists in his field.
 

In particular, Dr. Pawson studies signal transduction—the way in which cells control their own and each other’s behaviour through chemical signals. His groundbreaking discoveries related to signal transduction have allowed for the development of new generations of drugs that halt the proliferation of particular kinds of cancer cells.
 

This latest honour adds to an epic list of accolades for Dr. Pawson, including his naming in January as a ‘nation builder of the decade’ by The Globe and Mail.