Emerita Janet Rossant receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto
Award News
Lisa Sakulensky
Left to Right: President Emeritus David Naylor, Janet Rossant, Chancellor Wes Hall and President Melanie Woodin
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MoGen News
Dr. Janet Rossant Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Toronto
The Department of Molecular Genetics congratulates Dr. Janet Rossant on receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto in recognition of her contributions to developmental biology, stem cell research, scientific leadership, and mentorship.
A Chief of Research Emerita and Senior Scientist at SickKids, and University Professor Emerita at the University of Toronto, Rossant has spent decades advancing our understanding of how a single fertilized egg develops into a complex organism. Her research has helped define the genetic and cellular mechanisms that guide early mammalian development, providing foundational knowledge for developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and human disease research.
After completing her studies at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, Rossant moved to Canada in 1977 and established a distinguished research career that has had a lasting impact on the Canadian scientific community. Her work has contributed to major advances in stem cell biology, including research that helped identify trophoblast stem cells, improving understanding of placental development and congenital disorders.
In addition to her research accomplishments, Rossant has played a central role in shaping Canada’s biomedical research landscape. During her tenure as Chief of Research at SickKids, she oversaw significant growth in research capacity and helped guide the development of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning. Since 2016, she has served as President and Scientific Director of the Gairdner Foundation, supporting the recognition of scientific excellence worldwide.
Rossant has also been a dedicated mentor to generations of scientists and a strong advocate for increasing the representation of women in science. Her commitment to supporting early-career researchers has influenced countless trainees who now lead research programs around the world.
Her many honours include the Order of Canada, the Killam Prize in Health Sciences, the Friesen International Prize in Health Research, election to the Royal Society of Canada, the Royal Society, and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, as well as Life Sciences Ontario’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Department of Molecular Genetics joins the broader scientific community in celebrating this well-deserved recognition of a researcher whose discoveries, leadership, and mentorship have helped shape modern biomedical science.
