The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has named Dr. Allen Eaves and the late Dr. Connie Eaves as recipients of the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their transformative contributions to stem cell science, leukemia research, mentorship and the global biotechnology ecosystem.
“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.”
Connie and Allen's impact
For more than five decades, Connie and Allen worked in extraordinary partnership to advance the scientific foundations of blood stem cell biology, establishing a legacy that continues to influence research and clinical practice around the world. Their research reshaped understanding of hematopoiesis, leukemia and cancer stem cells, and their leadership built enduring institutions and trained generations of scientific leaders.
Dr. Connie Eaves was internationally recognized as a leading authority in stem cell biology. Her research helped define the cellular origins of cancer and set new quantitative standards for studying normal and cancer stem cells. Over the span of her career, Connie published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, held multiple patents, and together with Allen, co-founded the internationally recognized Terry Fox Laboratory.
Dr. Allen Eaves has made transformative contributions to leukemia treatment and clinical care, including establishing British Columbia’s Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program. In 1993, he founded STEMCELL Technologies to provide standardized, high-quality reagents for stem cell research. The company has since become Canada’s largest biotechnology company, supporting researchers worldwide and strengthening the connection between scientific discovery and real-world application.
With a shared commitment to mentorship, Connie and Allen invested their time in the growth of students, trainees and future scientific leaders. Connie supervised more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many who are 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. Their many honours include appointments as Officers of the Order of Canada and induction into the BC Innovators Hall of Fame.
In the words of the ISSCR: “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.”
Allen will formally accept the award and deliver remarks during the Plenary VI: Awards and Keynote on July 11 at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal.
This article has been adapted from an ISSCR press release: Read the original here.
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.