“York’s contributions to the field of PKD (polycystic kidney disease) are far-reaching and significant. For example, the criteria used throughout the world to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is largely the result of his work.”
– Dr. Peter Nickerson, Research Council co-chair for The Kidney Foundation of Canada

The Kidney Foundation of Canada was pleased to name Dr. York Pei the recipient of the 2020 Medal for Research Excellence. The announcement of the prestigious award was postponed to 2021 following the temporary suspension of certain research activities due to COVID-19.

Dr. York Pei, MD, FRCP(C), FACP, FASN, is Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the University of Toronto; Director, Centre for Innovative Management of Polycystic Kidney Disease, University Health Network; and Senior Scientist, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network.

Dr. Pei’s research career has mainly centred on identifying the genetic factors involved in the initiation or progression of genetic kidney diseases as a target for developing novel diagnostic tests and therapies. His research program focuses on genetic, genomic, and translational research of hereditary kidney diseases with a major focus on autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Dr. Pei was the co-recipient of the Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for polycystic kidney disease in 2019. He also made important contributions to genetic research of other hereditary kidney diseases, including familial IgA nephropathy, familial nephrotic syndrome, and Alport syndrome. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles, has collaborated widely with researchers nationally and internationally and has trained numerous clinical and research fellows in hereditary kidney disease.

Dr. Pei founded the Centre for Innovative Management for Polycystic Kidney Disease in 2015 with the goal of developing a world-class PKD translational research program in Canada. The centre provides advanced diagnostic and novel therapeutics to patients with ADPKD. They also have access to the latest research studies in prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. More than 500 patients are followed or co-managed at the centre with roughly 95% of them involved in at least one research project.