On April 11, 2024, the Toronto (Canada)-based Gairdner Foundation presented Indian microbiologist and virologist Gagandeep Kang with the John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award 2024 for her contributions to global health research. She is the first Indian woman to receive this award.
Reason for Award:
She was recognized for her comprehensive cohort-based epidemiological, environmental, and clinical trial research on enteric infections in children and their implications on life course, which had a significant impact on vaccine development and health policy in India and beyond.
About Gagandeep Kang:
- Gagandeep Kang is an adjunct professor at Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
- She also serves as Director of Enteric, Diagnostics, Genomics, and Epidemiology at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
- She helped develop and introduce two Indian rotavirus vaccines, Rotavac and Rotasiil, to the National Immunization Program.
About John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award:
The John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award recognizes researchers that apply scientific research to promote the health and well-being of individuals experiencing health disparities worldwide.
About Canada Gairdner Awards:
- The Gairdner Foundation was founded in 1957 with a grant from philanthropist James A Gairdner.
- The non-profit organization recognizes excellent achievements in biomedical research globally.
- The Gairdner Foundation (Canada) has been presenting the Canada Gairdner Awards on an annual basis since 1957.
- Recipients also receive Canadian Dollar (CDN) 100,000 apiece and a medal.
- Annually, 8 awards are presented: 5 Canada Gairdner International Awards for biomedical research, 1 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for influence on global health challenges, and 2 Canada Gairdner Momentum Awards for mid-career Canadian researchers.