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Molly Shoichet of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and University Professor Peter St George-Hyslop of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine have each received the 2020 Margolese National Brain Disorders Prize from the University of British Columbia.

The $50,000 prize is normally awarded to one researcher each year but a committee of international experts determined St George-Hyslop and Shoichet each separately deserved to win. Shoichet was recognized for her work in regenerative medicine of the central nervous system while St George-Hyslop was recognized for advancing the understanding of the genetic causes and molecular changes in Alzheimer’s disease.

“The University of Toronto congratulates Professor St George-Hyslop and Professor Shoichet on this significant recognition of their accomplishments,” said University Professor Ted Sargent, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “Our understanding of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and motor neuron diseases has been transformed by Dr. St George-Hyslop’s discovery of key genetic mutations in proteins and his pioneering work on the importance of genotyping.

“Professor Shoichet’s work on the use of polymers for tissue regeneration and drug discovery has made her a world leader in the field of biomedical engineering and had a significant impact on our approach to cancer and stroke.

“The decision to award them each this prize is a testament to their leadership and the impact of their research around the world.”