Awards and recognition
Dr. Brett Finlay recognized with John McNeill Excellence in Health Research Mentorship Award
Dr. Brett Finlay has been awarded the 2024 John McNeill Excellence in Health Research Mentorship Award, recognizing his outstanding mentorship of the trainees in his lab.
This award, holding a value of $10,000, is awarded annually by the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in honour of Dean Emeritus John McNeill. It celebrates faculty members in health-related disciplines who “exemplify a deep commitment to fostering the professional and personal development of faculty colleagues, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows in the early stages of their academic career.”
Dr. Brett Finlay (right) is presented his award by Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean Lalitha Raman-Wilms (left). Credit: UBC Health
Since joining the MSL in 1989 (jointly appointed with Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), Dr. Finlay has supervised over 128 graduate and postdoctoral trainees, known in the lab as ‘Finlayites’. While he has led many fundamental and groundbreaking discoveries through his research, Dr. Finlay has always maintained a strong focus on the development of his trainees.
“The amazing trainees I have been fortunate to supervise have played a large role in the successes I’ve celebrated throughout my scientific career,” shares Dr. Finlay. “By far the most rewarding thing in science, though, is seeing my trainees go on to celebrate their own successes past their time in the lab.”
The successes of Dr. Finlay’s trainees speak to his strength as a mentor, as many of them have gone on to hold impactful roles across academia, medicine, science journalism, government, law, biotechnology and more. His trainees leave the lab ready to pursue these roles because of how Dr. Finlay provides a balance of freedom and support, encourages a ‘work hard, play hard’ approach, and fosters a collaborative and positive research environment in the lab.
Former and current ‘Finlayites’ at the 30-year lab reunion.
Upon receiving this recognition, Dr. Finlay reflects, “I’m honoured to be recognized with this award. I knew John McNeill well, and John always prioritized trainees. Both of us fully subscribe to the philosophy that if you surround yourself with good people, good things happen.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Finlay on this well-deserved recognition, celebrating his impact on the next generation of health science experts.
Quick links
- Learn more about the recipients of the 2024 UBC Health Awards and Scholarships
- Read about the award presentation ceremony
- Learn more about the John McNeill Excellence in Health Research Mentorship Award
- Learn more about the Finlay lab