John Dick elected to the National Academy of Sciences
By
MoGen News
Cancer stem cell researcher and U of T professor recognized for his contributions to biomedical science
Dr. John Dick, Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto, has been elected as an international member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The announcement was made on April 29, 2025.
Election to the NAS is one of the highest distinctions in science, conferred in recognition of outstanding contributions to original research. Dr. Dick is internationally known for his work in stem cell biology and oncology, including the first identification and characterization of leukemic stem cells. His research established that only a rare subset of cancer cells possesses the capacity for self-renewal, shifting the focus of cancer biology and treatment development.
In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Dick holds the Helga and Antonio De Gasperis Chair in Blood Cancer Stem Cell Research. He was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2024.
With this recognition, Dr. Dick joins a distinguished body of scientists whose work has shaped contemporary understanding of health and disease. The NAS, founded in 1863, advises the United States government on matters related to science and technology and includes among its membership over 200 Nobel laureates.
