Dr. Bethany Foster Awarded Medal for Research Excellence
For more than two decades, Dr. Bethany Foster, professor and Chair of pediatrics at McGill University, has been a renowned clinician-scientist and leader in Canadian nephrology, dedicating her career to advancing pediatric kidney transplantation.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, The Kidney Foundation of Canada is pleased to present to her, the 2026 Medal of Research Excellence. The Medal of Research Excellence is awarded annually to a Canadian researcher recognized nationally or internationally for their career accomplishments in kidney research.
“Dr. Foster is an exceptional example of research excellence in Canada. Her commitment to a unique and valuable area of study has reshaped clinical care and continues to have a direct, meaningful impact on young people navigating kidney transplant.” - Leanne Stalker, Director of Research, The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Dr. Foster has made transformational contributions to pediatric nephrology and kidney transplantation. Her work has expanded our understanding of age-related risks, medication adherence, and sex-based differences in transplant outcomes. This work has had profound impacts on patient care, health systems, and clinical practice.
She is widely recognized as a pioneer in this area, with a body of work that includes landmark clinical trials, large population-based studies, and more than 130 peer-reviewed publications. Her work has been highly influential, reshaping both Canadian and international standards of care.
“As a kidney transplant recipient, I have a deep appreciation for the complexity and importance of advancing therapies that improve the lives of Canadians affected by kidney disease, including family and caregivers. I am especially proud to highlight Dr. Foster’s unwavering, career-long dedication to this field—through her commitment to training the next generation of kidney specialists and researchers, while simultaneously providing exceptional care to her patients.” - Nicolas Fernandez, Lived Experience Partner, Research Council of The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Dr. Foster’s research focuses on long-term health outcomes for children and young adults living with kidney transplants. Her work explores why young people face a disproportionately high risk of transplant failure and how targeted interventions can reduce this risk. By studying medication adherence, transitions from pediatric to adult care, and biologic differences related to age and sex, her research helps ensure that young transplant recipients receive care tailored to their unique needs.
Overall, Dr. Foster’s research has led to important breakthroughs in adherence-promoting interventions, informed global clinical practice guidelines, and helped improve quality of life for young transplant recipients.
“…In working seamlessly across the traditional, yet mostly artificial, divide between pediatric and adult considerations, Dr. Foster's creative research approaches have led to new insights and novel strategies to optimize transplantation as an effective treatment for end-stage kidney disease. Moreover, her multiple research leadership roles highlight a demonstrated commitment to training, supporting, and encouraging the researchers of tomorrow.” – Dr. Lori West, nominator and Professor at the University of Alberta.
Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Foster is a deeply committed mentor. She has supervised more than 30 trainees, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers themselves as clinicians, researchers, and leaders.
Dr. Foster also plays an important role in strengthening the research community through leadership and service with organizations including KDIGO, Canadian Institutes of Health research (CIHR), the Canadian Society of Transplantation, the Transplantation Society, and more. She is also an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in kidney research.
Dr. Foster continues to be a pillar of research excellence. With a deep commitment to progressing kidney transplantation, her work is shaping the future of care for children and young adults living in with kidney disease.
Congratulations to Dr. Bethany Foster on this well-deserved recognition.