Gairdner
Connects

Connecting People, Ideas & Science

Gairdner Connects is the Gairdner Foundation’s national outreach program, bringing science to communities across Canada. Through interactive events, discussions, and digital resources, we inspire future innovators and spark public dialogue about the role of research in tackling the health challenges we face as a global society. Partnering with over 20 universities, we engage more than 6,000 students annually, fostering meaningful connections between Gairdner Award-winning scientists and the next generation of researchers.

Stay Connected

What Students are Saying

“I liked getting to see a snapshot of what working in science is really like.”
— High School Student
“The speakers were very knowledgeable and interesting, I had a nice conversation with one after.
— High School Student
“I liked being able to listen to very insightful and intelligent individuals, especially ones that have accomplished extraordinary things in their fields.”
— High School Student
“Excellent speakers and talks, excellent organization.”
— University Faculty
“The High School lecture was a great pace - detailed enough to be engaged the whole time but slow enough to understand thoroughly.”
— High School Student
“I liked at the end where we all got to ask questions”
— High School Student
“I love how in depth they went with answering people’s question. Their answers were really inspiring!”
— High School Educator
“It was very interesting and related to the stuff I'm learning in school right now.”
— High School Student
“I liked getting to see a snapshot of what working in science is really like.”
— High School Student
“The speakers were very knowledgeable and interesting, I had a nice conversation with one after.
— High School Student
“I liked being able to listen to very insightful and intelligent individuals, especially ones that have accomplished extraordinary things in their fields.”
— High School Student
“Excellent speakers and talks, excellent organization.”
— University Faculty
“The High School lecture was a great pace - detailed enough to be engaged the whole time but slow enough to understand thoroughly.”
— High School Student
“I liked at the end where we all got to ask questions”
— High School Student
“I love how in depth they went with answering people’s question. Their answers were really inspiring!”
— High School Educator
“It was very interesting and related to the stuff I'm learning in school right now.”
— High School Student

Upcoming Events

Upcoming

October 20, 2025 - October 23, 2025

Gairdner Science Week 2025

Gairdner Connects Online Event Public Lecture Science Week

From October 20–23, join us for a dynamic, week-long celebration of cutting-edge research, global health innovation, and the 2025 laureates.

Multi day event
Today

June 08, 2025 - June 11, 2025

Ribowest Conference 2025

Alberta Programming Symposium

Ribowest Conference 2025
Past

June 04, 2025 - June 05, 2025

Edmonton Protocol 25th Anniversary Celebration

Alberta Programming Symposium

Celebrating 25 Years of the Edmonton Protocol