Toronto Hub

On October 20, 2026, Gairdner Connects Toronto Hub and Toronto Metropolitan University proudly welcome John R. Yates, 2026 Canada Gairdner International Award Laureate for contributions to biomedical science and Professor at California’s Scripps Research Institute, to share experiences and insights from his pioneering career in proteomics and molecular biology.

Professor Yates received the award for establishing the foundations of modern systems proteomics through transformative innovations in quantitative protein measurement, mass spectrometry technologies and computational analysis.

Over the course of his career, Professor Yates has transformed how proteins are identified and studied in complex biological systems. He has developed foundational computational methods for analyzing mass spectrometry data, enabling the large-scale, unbiased identification of proteins from complex mixtures. His contributions have been instrumental in establishing proteomics as a powerful tool for understanding disease mechanisms, enabling advances in cancer research, neurodegenerative disease, immunology, infectious disease and precision medicine.

This event, part of Gairdner Science Week and the Gairdner Connects Toronto Hub, will also feature remarks from TMU Dean of Science David Cramb, with a Q&A session and a reception to follow.

Learn more about Professor John Yates’s background, research and impact.

Hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University, the 2026 Gairdner Connects Toronto Hub brings Gairdner Award-winning scientists together with students, trainees, faculty and researchers from across Toronto for lectures, discussions and outreach celebrating excellence in biomedical research and inspiring the next generation.