Canada’s top hospital is hoping to attract world’s top scientists – CTV
April 07, 2025
In what some observers are calling an “impressive” move, the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto is launching a first-of-its-kind Canadian program to recruit 100 early career scientists, many from an emerging exodus of researchers from the U.S.
Called “Canada Leads 100 Challenge,” UHN and Princess Margaret Hospital’s foundations are funding the $30-million program to attract 100 young scientists. The goal is to allow them to seed their work in Canada, producing discoveries that lead to medications and therapies that can be commercialized and manufactured in Canada and sold around the world. Hospital officials say it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the country into a biotech superpower.
“As others pull back, Canada must step up. The opportunity is now,” Kevin Smith, president and CEO of UHN. Surveys show that of the 1,600 scientists surveyed by the journal Nature, 75 per cent they were considering leaving the U.S.
“The rest of the world is looking at the same opportunity. If we don’t embrace it and we don’t make the investment… then shame on us,” said Smith.
Candidates who are selected will be helped with coaching and mentorship along with assistance navigating the often-complex process of immigrating to Canada. Officials also hope the announcement kickstarts other hospitals and universities to consider programs of their own, with the federal government assisting with research funding and easing the immigration process.
