A Pioneer in Stem Cell Research, Cancer Treatment, and Advocate for Women in STEM
ISCT is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Connie Eaves, an international leader in stem cell research, bone marrow transplantation and cancer treatments.
As a founding member of ISCT, Dr. Eaves contributed to establishing the first-ever ISCT Annual Meeting in 1994 held in Vancouver Canada. Dr. Eaves's significant contributions have made a lasting impact on ISCT, laying the foundations for the Society that stands strong today.
Dr. Eaves was a professor of genetics at the University of British Columbia and co-founder of the Terry Fox Laboratory which she founded with her husband Allen Eaves in 1981. With a career spanning over five decades, Dr. Eaves has left an indelible mark on the field of stem cell research with her research approaches and developments in cancer becoming the gold standard for laboratories across the world.
Among her impacting legacy, her pioneering research in basic blood stem cell biology led to a breakthrough in the treatment of leukemia. Dr. Eaves also played a pivotal role in establishing the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance at the National Cancer Institute of Canada, thereby laying the foundation for the first national source of breast cancer research funding in Canada.
Beyond her laboratory accomplishments, Dr. Eaves served as a dedicated mentor and a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Recognizing her impact, she was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, appointed to the Order of Canada, and elected into the Royal Society.
On behalf of the global ISCT community, we offer our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. We pay tribute to her invaluable contributions to both ISCT and the broader field of stem cell research.
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