In 2025, Canada’s life sciences sector is making headlines around the world. From Nobel-level recognition and billion-dollar investments to next-generation therapies and world-class facilities, the country is demonstrating why it belongs at the forefront of global health innovation. For international associations, these breakthroughs are more than good news stories—they signal why Canada is a natural choice for conferences that advance the frontiers of science.

Global recognition honours Canadian research

Canadian researchers continue to push the boundaries of health care. Dr. Daniel Drucker of the University of Toronto shared a US$3 million Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences—the world’s largest international science award—for discoveries that underpin obesity and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. His work on gut hormones is reshaping modern medicine, opening up benefits for heart disease, sleep apnea, arthritis, liver disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Two University of British Columbia scientists were awarded 2025 Killam Prizes for breakthroughs in health research. Dr. Marco Marra was recognized for advancing cancer genomics and precision medicine, pinpointing the genetic changes driving a patient’s cancer. Dr. Peter Zandstra was honoured for his work in regenerative medicine and cell-therapy bioprocessing, including innovations in stem cell therapies and immunotherapy.

Global investors bet on Canadian breakthroughs

Merck in Montréal, Québec, Photo Credit: Merck Canada Media Centre

Vancouver-based Kardium recently secured US$250 million to commercialize its Globe® Pulsed Field System, a breakthrough technology that has proven safer and more effective in treating atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting more than 59 million people worldwide. 

Merck chose Montréal for the first international expansion of its Digital Sciences Studio, an accelerator to support digital health and AI-driven biopharmaceutical startups—supercharging innovations in preventive health, biologics R&D platforms and 3D disease modelling.

Global leadership backed by Canadian investment

Isotope Target, Photo Credit: Ryan Bolton

In July, the Government of Canada announced more than C$1.3 billion to support more than 9,700 researchers nationwide, with a strong focus on biomedical innovation. 

Canada also expanded its leadership in cancer-fighting isotopes, with Bruce Power doubling production capacity for lutetium-177 at its nuclear facility in Ontario—the world’s first commercial reactor to produce Lu-177. Developed in partnership with Isogen and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, the expansion positions Canada as a critical global supplier of isotopes in high demand.

Global advances powered by new Canadian facilities

Canada is adding major new research capacity. In Montréal, the historic Chest Institute has been transformed into Inspire Bio Innovations, a life sciences hub bringing together startups, researchers and biotech firms across 450,000 square feet of lab and office space. In Hamilton, OmniaBio has opened Canada’s largest commercial cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility. The centre integrates AI, robotics, biosensors and machine learning—and is designed to scale from 1,200 to 30,000 patient treatments annually.

Researcher working in a lab at OmniaBio’s facility in Hamilton, Ontario, Photo Credit: OmniaBio

Global strength fuels meeting impact in Canada

These are just some of the recent examples that demonstrate Canada’s global strength in life sciences—where award-winning researchers, major investments and advanced facilities are driving discoveries that are shaping global health and innovation. For international associations and industry leaders, Canada offers the expertise, infrastructure and collaborative networks to elevate conference programming and inspire lasting outcomes.

Learn more about hosting your next meeting in Canada at businesseventscanada.ca.