The Distinguished Scientist Award from the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation (CSCI) recognizes the exceptional careers of experienced medical researchers who serve as role models for young clinical scientists.
Recognized as a leader in the field of infection prevention and immunization, Dr.re Caroline Quach-Thanh received this award at the CSCI’s annual conference, held in Montreal on November 15.
A flawless journey
The full professor in the Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology and the Department of Pediatrics at the Université de Montréal embodies success in terms of both research and mentoring and communications.
An outstanding popularizer, she particularly stood out during the pandemic by clearly exposing scientific information relating to the virus to the general public.
A researcher of merit from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) and holder of a Canada research chair (level 1) in the prevention of childhood infections, she has obtained numerous grants, in particular for work on infection prevention and immunization related to COVID-19. She leads a major project that brings together five pan-Canadian pediatric research networks as part of the POPCORN platform to better protect children in times of a pandemic.
Recognized internationally, the Dre Quach-Thanh also supervises many young researchers, who appreciate her support, her open-door policy and her quest for excellence. The Dre Quach-Thanh also uses its network to offer them different job opportunities.
In a heartfelt speech she delivered at the CSCI Young Investigators Forum, the infectious disease specialist presented the highlights of her work and the main lessons learned during her career.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, she delivered her thoughts, of which the following is an extract: “What brings me the most is to see my “children” – the graduate students – succeed, settle in their lives , fly on their own and climb the ladder. When three of them obtained FRQS senior-level scholarships last spring, we opened the best bottle of champagne I had – it was divine!”