Award: Gregor Reid recognized for ground-breaking probiotic research

Gregor Reid, PhD, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Immunology, was one of two recipients of the biennial Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Reid was awarded the Prize in recognition of his innovative research into the application of beneficial microbes as medical treatments, which helped legitimize their use in health care. He led and contributed to many breakthroughs in this field of study throughout his career, and continues to be one of the world’s top experts on probiotics. 

When Reid first undertook this field of study in 1983, only 12 peer-reviewed papers had ever been written on the subject. Since then, he developed novel — now highly popularized — probiotic therapies along with 29 patents, and published more than 500 peer-reviewed articles. Reid co-founded the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics and led the World Health Organization panel to establish an official definition of probiotics for research and commerce.

Reid is sharing the Prize and award of $250,000 with Dr. Linda Rapson.

The Dr. Rogers Prize is named for Canadian physician Dr. Roger Hayward Rogers and recognizes Canadians who demonstrate innovation and integrity in non-traditional medicine. The Prize is funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation and was presented at a gala in Vancouver, BC on October 14.