Connecting Scientists and Students at the 2026 Gairdner Connects Student Lunch

November 03, 2026

What does a career in science look like? At Gairdner Science Week, students had the opportunity to hear firsthand from the researchers whose work is shaping the future of biomedical science.

On October 21, following the 2026 Laureate Lectures, students joined Gairdner laureates and Early Career Investigators for the annual Gairdner Connects Student Lunch at MaRS Discovery District. The event brought together high school, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as trainees from Gairdner's partner organizations.

For students, the opportunity to meet award-winning scientists extends beyond hearing about their research. The lunch offered a chance to ask questions about the choices, challenges and experiences that shape a scientific career. From navigating early research experiences to pursuing ideas that could lead to new discoveries, conversations gave students a glimpse into the people and perspectives behind the science.

The event reflects Gairdner's commitment to engaging the next generation of scientists and creating opportunities for students to connect with the research community.

Thank you to our partners, laureates, Early Career Investigators and participating students for making this year's lunch possible.

Students can continue exploring the work of the 2026 laureates through the 2026 Gairdner Award Winners Collection, featuring articles about each laureate's research written by students for students.

Explore photos from the event below and the full album here.