Dr. David Andrews
Dr. David Andrews is Senior Scientist in Biological Sciences at Sunnybrook Research Institute and Professor of Biochemistry and Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. He previously held a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Membrane Biogenesis and is a past president of the Canadian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, now the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB), as well as the Society for Biomolecular Imaging and Informatics and the Canadian Federation of Biological Societies.
Dr. Andrews’ research focuses on protein–protein interactions in live cells, using advanced fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging approaches. His work has been central to understanding how Bcl-2 family proteins regulate programmed cell death, including proposing widely adopted models of apoptosis regulation and identifying mechanisms by which pro-apoptotic proteins control mitochondrial permeabilization.
His group has also contributed to the development of small molecules that inhibit the pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAK, as well as high-content screening approaches for early-stage drug discovery and precision medicine. More recently, his laboratory has developed methods for generating patient-derived organoids, supporting translational research and clinical applications.
In addition to his academic research, Dr. Andrews has been active in the biotechnology sector, contributing to company start-ups, serving on scientific advisory boards, and developing patented technologies in areas including peptide display, translational regulation, and protein interaction inhibitors. His career reflects sustained contributions to fundamental discovery, innovation, and scientific leadership.
Dr. Ronald Pearlman
Dr. Ronald E. Pearlman is University Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar in the Department of Biology at York University. He received his B.Sc. from McGill University and his Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he trained in biochemistry and molecular biology under Nobel Laureate Konrad Bloch, before joining York University in 1968.
Dr. Pearlman’s research has centered on the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila, using its unique nuclear dimorphism to investigate genome organization, chromatin remodeling, epigenetics, and RNA-mediated genome regulation. His work has contributed to fundamental discoveries in cell and molecular biology, with broader implications for understanding genome function, gene regulation, and the origins of complex biological systems.
He played a key role in advancing genomic approaches in this system, pioneering EST analysis in Tetrahymena and serving on the Scientific Advisory Board and Steering Committee of the NIH-funded Tetrahymena Genome Project, one of the earliest genome sequencing initiatives. Over his career, he has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and contributed extensively to national and international research communities.
Dr. Pearlman has demonstrated significant leadership and service within the Canadian scientific community. He has served on the Council of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science, including as President, Past President, and Advisor, and has also contributed to the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences through longstanding engagement and service. At York University, he served as Associate Dean and Dean of Graduate Studies, supporting graduate training and research development. His career reflects a sustained commitment to research, mentorship, and scientific leadership in Canada.
Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier
Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto and served as Chair from 2002 to 2013. He is internationally recognized for his research on membrane proteins and their roles in human health and disease.
His research has focused on the structure and function of membrane transport proteins, with major contributions to understanding anion exchange mechanisms, particularly the Band 3 protein in red blood cells. His work has advanced fundamental knowledge of membrane protein biology and its relevance to human disease.
An award-winning lecturer and dedicated graduate mentor, Dr. Reithmeier has been committed to training the next generation of scientists. He has played an active role in supporting student development, helping trainees build both their scientific expertise and professional networks.
His contributions have been recognized through numerous honours, including election as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2012, the Arthur Wynne Gold Medal from the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences in 2022, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
