The Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research was established in 2005 by Friends of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (FCIHR) to recognize and honour exceptional leadership, vision, and innovative contributions to health research and health research policy.
Named for Dr. Henry G. Friesen, a distinguished medical researcher and leader in Canadian science policy, the Prize celebrates individuals whose work has had a significant impact on both the scientific community and public understanding of health research.
Recipients of the Prize are international leaders in health research, selected for outstanding achievement and their ability to communicate the significance of health research to both scholarly and general audiences.
Nomination & Selection:
Each year, an advisory committee issues a call for nominations and selects the Prize Winner. Nominees are usually leaders with a strong record of innovation, vision, and impact in health research and policy.
Notable Prize Winners:
Recent recipients include internationally recognized researchers such as Dr. Gordon Guyatt (2024) and Dr. Brenda Andrews (2025), whose contributions to health sciences exemplify the Prize’s goals.
Friends of CIHR Silver Anniversary: 25 Years of Fostering Canadian Health Research
Click to Download – Booklet – “Silver 25th Anniversary of FCIHR”
Dr. Brenda Andrews, 2025 Friesen Prizewinner
Link to Photos – Nov. 17 – 2025 U Ottawa Friesen Prize Program
Link to Photos – Sept. 23 – 2025 U of T Friesen Prize Program