2025 Research Excellence Winner

Josée Savard, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Université Laval (Québec, Canada) and researcher at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center and Université Laval Cancer Research Center and a clinical psychologist specialized in cognitive-behavioural therapy and psycho-oncology. She completed in 1996 her Ph.D. in psychology at Université Laval and then completed a post-doctoral fellowship in psycho-oncology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Her research projects are mainly centered on the psychological aspects of cancer and the efficacy and accessibility of cognitive-behavioural interventions for improving patients’ quality of life. More specifically, she is recognized as an international leader in the study of cancer-related insomnia. In 2020, she co-edited the Handbook of Sleep Disorders in Medical Conditions (Elsevier), which received the PROSE award of the Association of American Publishers for the best handbook in medicine and clinical science. She is also the first author of a treatment manual for fear of cancer recurrence (Treating fear of cancer recurrence with group cognitive-behavioural therapy: A step-by-step guide; Springer) that was published in 2022. She has received many awards and was elected fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) in 2015 and fellow of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies in 2022.

Submissions are now closed.

The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee and the Board of Directors Association, has made a significant research contribution to Psychosocial Oncology. This award will follow a nomination and selection process as outlined in the Award Terms of Reference.

• Click here to view Award Terms of Reference

Eligibility

• Eligibility is limited to members in good standing of CAPO (for at least one year prior to the nomination). 
• Award recipients must register and attend the annual CAPO conference (in person or virtually) in order to be eligible.

Application Criteria

• The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee and the Board of Directors of the Association, has made a significant research contribution to psychosocial oncology.
• The award will be presented at the annual CAPO conference by the Chair of the Awards Committee or an Institute designate. 
• The winner(s) agree to have their name(s) released as winners of the award and to be featured on CHIR-ICR's various communication channels (e.g., website, social media, newsletter).

Anticipated Timeline

• November 7, 2024: Launch of call for applications
• February 14, 2025: Submissions due
• Awarded at CAPO conference

Award

• Recognition award and reimbursement for travel expenses to the CAPO annual conference up to $1000

Application Process

• Submit application below

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT FOR CIHR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD

• 2024 - Dr. Sylvie Lambert (QC)
  
• 2023 - Dr Sophie Lebel (ON)
  
• 2022 - Dr. Fiona Schulte (AB)

• 2021 - Dr. Shane Sinclair (AB)

• 2020 - Dr. Jennifer Jones (ON)

• 2019 - Dr. S. Nicole Culos-Reed (AB)

• 2018 - Dr. Doris Howell (ON)

• 2017 - Dr. Gary Rodin (ON)

• 2015 - Dr. John Oliffe (BC)

• 2014 - Dr. Tom Hack (MB)

• 2013 - Dr. Keith Wilson (ON)

• 2012 - Dr. Kerry Courneya (AB)

• 2011 - Dr. Elizabeth Maunsell (QC)

• 2010 - Dr. Linda Carlson (AB)

The CIHR - Institute of Cancer Research & CAPO Early Career Investigator in Psychosocial Oncology Award 

2025 Early Career Investigator Winner

Dr. Laura Struik, PhD, RN – Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing, UBC Okanagan

My program of research is focused on youth health promotion and cancer prevention, particularly as it relates to tobacco and nicotine product use. The research I conduct is underpinned by youth engagement and strong national and international partnerships to push the boundaries of traditional health promotion approaches and incorporate youth cultures, youth voices, and digital technologies in behavior change interventions, ultimately leveraging the potential impact of such interventions for the prevention of cancer.