The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) today announced that Dr. Allen Eaves, and the late Dr. Connie Eaves have been named recipients of the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor recognizes their transformative contributions to stem cell science, leukemia research, mentorship, and the global biotechnology ecosystem.
Dr. Allen Eaves will formally accept the award, supported by FUJIFILM, and deliver remarks during Plenary VI: Awards and Keynote on Saturday, 11 July 2026, at the
ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montréal, Canada.
For more than five decades, Allen and Connie Eaves worked in extraordinary partnership to advance the scientific foundations of blood stem cell biology and translate discovery into clinical and commercial impact. Their research reshaped understanding of hematopoiesis, leukemia, and cancer stem cells, while their leadership established enduring institutions and trained generations of scientific leaders.
“Allen and Connie Eaves exemplify the spirit of the ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Hideyuki Okano, ISSCR President. “Their pioneering discoveries, commitment to scientific rigor, and dedication to mentorship and entrepreneurship have profoundly influenced our field and improved lives worldwide.”
Dr. Connie Eaves was a global authority in stem cell biology whose work helped define the cellular origins of malignancy and set new quantitative standards for studying normal and cancer stem cells. She published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, held multiple patents, and co-founded the internationally recognized Terry Fox Laboratory with Dr. Allen Eaves.
Dr. Allen Eaves advanced clinical care in chronic myelogenous leukemia and established British Columbia’s Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program. In 1993, he founded STEMCELL Technologies to provide standardized, high-quality reagents for stem cell research. What began as a small venture has grown into Canada’s largest biotechnology company, supporting researchers worldwide and strengthening the bridge between discovery and application.
Mentorship was central to their legacy. Connie supervised more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many now leaders in academia and industry. Allen has mentored thousands through his clinical, academic, and entrepreneurial roles and has supported hundreds of students through national workforce development initiatives.
Both Allen and Connie upheld the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity, and inclusivity throughout their careers. Their many honors include appointments as Officers of the Order of Canada and induction into the BC Innovators Hall of Fame.
Through discovery, organizational development, mentorship, and ethical leadership, Allen and Connie Eaves have made an indelible mark on modern stem cell science. The ISSCR is proud to recognize their extraordinary legacy with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more information about ISSCR 2026 and the ISSCR Awards, visit
www.isscr.org/awards-2026.
About ISSCR
With nearly 5,000 members from more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing stem cell science and its translation to human health.