Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research

Championing development of a robust and productive research program focused on ovarian cancer, the Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research propels research activity and invigorates the scientific community across the country.

In 1997, a $1 million donation was put towards establishing the Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research in partnership with the University of Ottawa, which also contributed $1 million. Named after the wife of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s founder, the position was the first of its kind nationally and is counted among the organization’s first major research accomplishments. Ovarian Cancer Canada continues to support laboratory expenses.

In October 2000, Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden was appointed to the role.

About Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden

Dr. Vanderhyden began researching ovarian cancer in 1995 upon joining the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre. Her work focuses on communication between ovarian cells and how it can be disrupted to possibly prevent ovarian cancer.

Dedicated to advancing knowledge, Dr. Vanderhyden founded the Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research to convene leading researchers. She also led development of Ottawa’s ovarian cancer tissue bank, part of the Ovarian Cancer Canada Tissue Bank Network.

In June 2009, Dr. Vanderhyden was the first recipient of the Rx&D Health Science Research Award at the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Awards for the National Capital Region. The award recognizes enrichment to the community through excellent and significant contributions in research or the application of research in the area of health science. Dr. Vanderhyden was also acknowledged as a mentor and leader whose work significantly contributed to the health of the community.

Dr. Vanderhyden was honoured by Ovarian Cancer Canada in February 2015, when she received the Karen Campbell Award in recognition of overall research excellence, important achievements, and work making a significant impact on the understanding, future research and treatment of ovarian cancer.

“Dr. Vanderhyden has made a unique and remarkable contribution to ovarian cancer research in Canada and the advancement of women in science. She has brought together the ovarian cancer scientific and clinical communities, and has galvanized and energized the Canadian ovarian cancer landscape,” says Elisabeth Baugh, Past CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada.