About Friesen Prize
Overview
The Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research was established in 2005 by Friends of CIHR in recognition of Dr. Friesen’s distinguished leadership, vision and innovative contributions to health research and health research policy.
The award, announced each spring, supports an annual fall lecture or series of lectures by a worthy and accomplished speaker of international stature on topics related to the advancement of health research and its evolving contributions to society. The Lecture endeavours to reach the broadest possible audience at major centres across Canada. Additional institutional visits ensure national impact.
The Prize was initiated by FCIHR and provides a cash award of $35,000 CAD with a framed Citation,
and covers the Honouree’s travel and hospitality costs associated with the Public Forum
and the address to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Annual Meeting or other appropriate organizations.
The Prize, when originally launched, was a collaborative project of Friends of CIHR with the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
It is financed through a fund established for that purpose. Broadcast partner is CBC Radio One.
Photo (Left): Inaugural 2006 Friesen Prize Program
Presentation of Citation Certificate to Dr. Joseph B. Martin [2006 Friesen Prizewinner]
September 26, 2006 – Ottawa
Left to Right: Dr. Paul Armstrong [President, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS); Dr. Joseph B. Martin [2006 Friesen Prizewinner; Dean, Harvard Medical School]; Dr. Aubie Angel [Founding President, Friends of CIHR & Founding Chair, Friesen Prize Program];
Dr. Alan Bernstein [President, CIHR]
Photo (Right): 2024 Faculty Club (U of T) Friesen Prize Award Luncheon
Presentation of Citation Certificate to Dr. Gordon Guyatt [2024 Friesen Prizewinner]
October 31, 2024 – Toronto
Left to Right: Dr. Gordon Guyatt [2024 Friesen Prizewinner; Distinguished University Professor, McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact] and Dr. Peter N. Lewis [Interim President, FCIHR]
Governance
The annual awarding of The Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research is overseen by The Friesen Prize Advisory Committee. The Committee issues the annual call for nominations, receives and evaluates submissions, and selects the Honouree.
Originally, the Advisory Committee was comprised of seven members: three appointed from the Board of Directors of each of the presenting organizations: Friends of CIHR and CAHS, and a unanimously selected Chair. In 2006, the inaugural year of the Prize, the Presidents of the two organizations co-chaired the Committee. Subsequently, the Advisory Committee was comprised of members selected by FCIHR and reporting to the Board of Directors.
Selection of the urban centre and venue for the annual Public Forum and Award presentation is also the responsibility of the Committee. Committee members are instrumental in securing host institutions for regional visits across Canada and in addition to long-term planning for the future of The Prize, are also engaged in fundraising efforts and the establishment of partnerships and sponsorship arrangements.
Accountability to the Board of FCIHR occurs annually.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2025 Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research
In 2005, The Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research was established to honour the exceptional leadership, vision and innovative contributions of Dr. Henry G. Friesen. It is awarded to an individual of international stature who best exemplifies Dr. Henry Friesen’s prescience, organizational creativity and broad impact on health research and health research policy.
The prize supports an annual Public Lecture at a major Canadian academic institution and additional visits throughout the year to sponsoring universities and research institutes. In collaboration with CBC Radio One “Ideas”, a recorded interview is broadcast nationally to reach the broadest possible audience. A manuscript is also published in the “Friesen Prize Lecture” series.
Members of the Health Sciences community are encouraged to submit nominations for anyone they feel would be deserving of the Prize. Nominees will be those with vision who have had an impact in health research and health research policy at an international level. Outstanding communication skills are essential as the Prizewinner is expected to address topics important to the nation and suitable for wide public dissemination.
NOTE: The Deadline for Nominations is February 14, 2025 by 5 pm EST. Only complete nominations will be considered and materials must be sent to FriendsofCIHR@gmail.com no later than February 14, 2025 by 5 pm EST. For more information, call: (416) 978-6759.
NOMINATIONS:
Nominations may be made at any time. The Friesen Prize Advisory Committee issues an annual call for nominations normally in the late fall announcing the closing date for nominations for the approaching year’s award.
There is no limit to the number of nominations that may be submitted. Nominations will be considered for up to three consecutive years, after which a new submission is required.
WHO MAY NOMINATE:
Members in good standing of Friends of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (FCIHR) or the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) may make nominations, at any time, without limit. Presidents and Deans of Medicine of Canadian universities are canvassed annually to nominate suitable candidates. Scientific Directors of Research Institutes are also welcome to submit nominations. Nominations from Universities and Research Centres outside of Canada will also be considered. Information related to the nomination and selection process is confidential.
NOMINEES:
Candidates for the Prize will be of international stature and will exemplify the vision, distinguished leadership, and innovative contributions of Dr. Henry G. Friesen in health research and health research policy in Canada. Nominees should possess the ability to engage a broad public audience on topics related to the advancement and contribution of health research to society.
SELECTION:
The Prize Advisory Committee reviews and evaluates all submissions and selects the Honouree through a series of ballots. All nominations and the selection process are maintained in the strictest confidence. The Board of the presenting organization ratifies the announcement of the Prizewinner and this occurs in the Spring.
ACCEPTANCE:
In accepting The Prize, the Honouree agrees to fulfill a number of obligations:
• The Awardee will deliver a lecture in-person of approximately one-hour in length at a Public Forum. The topic will be determined through consultation with the Advisory Committee and the lecture must appeal to an informed public audience, presenting ideas in the spirit of Dr. Friesen’s long-standing contributions.
• The presentation must be suitable for national broadcast by CBC Radio One.
• A manuscript of the lecture is to be submitted within 12 months after the award is given. The manuscript of about 5000 words will be published in both official languages. The manuscript should relate to the work and impact of the individual in his/her lifetime that resulted in being the 2025 prize winner. It should also include his/her vision broadly in terms of science. An introductory paragraph about the Henry G. Friesen International Prize in Health Research should be included.
• The Prizewinner will respond favourably, and without fee, to at least one invitation from a Canadian academic or professional institution, to present a named lecture within 12 months following the announcement of the Prize. Arrangements here will be subject to approval by the Friesen Prize Advisory Committee. Travel and some other expenses will be assumed by host organizations.
• The Awardee may address other specified events as they are scheduled throughout the year, including but not limited to a luncheon presentation to the CAHS Annual Meeting. As this is a National Prize Program, 2 or 3 additional Institutional visits to Canadian universities are encouraged for which supplementary remuneration is offered.
• Prizewinners must be available to the media following the announcement conferring the award and at other specified times throughout the year.