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Dr. Andrey Cybulsky, a professor of medicine and a clinician scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), has received The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Medal for Research Excellence for his outstanding contributions to the field of kidney research.

“I am very pleased that our work has been recognized and honored to receive The Kidney Foundation Medal for Research Excellence,” said Dr. Cybulsky. “Over the years, our research has characterized cellular pathways in podocytes – specialized cells that support the structure and function of the kidney glomeruli or filtration units. Among these are stress pathways, protein kinases and pathways involving lipid metabolism. We have shown how these pathways collectively maintain the function of healthy podocytes and how they are dysregulated in glomerular disease.”

Announced in May, the award was celebrated during a Nov. 29 reception in Dr. Cybulsky’s honour, bringing together colleagues from his roles at McGill University Health Centre and McGill University, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, family and friends.

“Dr Cybulsky is a highly regarded and internationally recognized clinician researcher. He is known for asking clinically-relevant questions that lead to the development of research projects linking basic and clinical sciences,” said Leanne Stalker, National Director of Research for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “His work has involved transforming clinical observations in patients into testable research hypotheses, with the goal of ultimately translating the research into diagnostic tests or therapies. His dedication to mentorship for the next generation, his clear, step by step progression of scientific exploration, his innovative approaches and his productivity, have established him as a clear pinnacle of excellence in the kidney research field. The Kidney Foundation of Canada is honoured to have him join the exemplary ranks of Medal for Research Excellence winners.”

Dr. Cybulsky has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, such as the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the American Journal of Physiology, and the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. He has also received numerous awards and honors, including the Canadian Society of Nephrology’s Distinguished Service Award in 2019, the RI-MUHC’s Award for Excellence in Research in 2017, and the Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the member of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Dr Cybulsky has also continued to prioritize training, mentoring over 50 trainees, many at the graduate and post graduate level. Several of these trainees have gone on to career success of their own, building capacity for research in nephrology and beyond.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Medal for Research Excellence is awarded annually to a Canadian researcher who has made a significant impact, nationally or internationally, on the advancement of knowledge in nephrology. The award recognizes the excellence and impact of the researcher’s work, as well as their leadership and mentorship in the field.