“Dr. Hemmelgarn and Manns have improved the lives of patients across the country with their groundbreaking work. Receiving Canada’s top award for kidney researchers is a fitting recognition for these two outstanding University of Calgary scientists.”
- Dr. Marcello Tonelli, Associate Vice-President (Health Research) at the University of Calgary

The Kidney Foundation of Canada was pleased to announce Dr. Braden Manns and Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn  as the recipients of the 2017 Medal for Research Excellence. This is the first time in our history that the award was presented to two individuals.

Dr. Braden Manns and Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, both highly respected and accomplished researchers in their own right, have proven the success that can be gained through collaboration. As such, the Kidney Foundation was delighted to present two medals this year to recognize their outstanding individual accomplishments and the value that their collaborations have brought to the international and Canadian kidney research community.

Dr. Braden Manns is a professor in Health Economics and a nephrologist at the University of Calgary in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences and an Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions Health Scholar. His expertise in applied health economics, health outcomes, pharmaceutical review and priority setting has directly informed health policy and decision-making. He has been instrumental in founding numerous kidney networks and interdisciplinary collaborations and has been a national presence in the Canadian nephrology community for many years. Known for being a generous mentor, a collaborative nature and interpersonal skills have enabled him to bring together diverse individuals working successfully towards a common goal.