Dr. Bishnu D. Sanwal Lecture
Sanwal family and speakers from 2026 Sanwal Lecture
(photo courtesy of Jess Jamieson)
Description of event
This Lecture is a memorial and tribute to Dr. Sanwal, a former Chair of the Biochemistry Dept. This event is made possible through a generous endowment from Dr. Sanwal's family to recognize his leadership, legacy, and impact on the Biochemistry community and beyond.
The first Lecture took place in May 2026 and connected past achievements with ongoing research and innovations in biochemistry and related fields (agenda). Dr. Greg Gloor, current Chair of the Biochemistry Dept., hosted the event. The Lecture featured a keynote address from Dr. John Dick (Princess Margaret Hospital, UHN, Toronto, ON), as well as perspectives from Dr. Sanwal's former trainees and their subsequent generations of former trainees (Dr. Stephanie Zukowski, Dr. David Litchfield, Dr. Ian Lorimer). Dr. Sanwal's granddaughter also spoke, on behalf of the family, about her memories of him.
Information about Dr. Sanwal
Dr. Sanwal was recruited from the Dept. of Medical Genetics, University of Toronto to become Chair of the Biochemistry Dept. from 1973-83. During these years, important growth took place in our graduate program and the recruitment of faculty with expertise in membrane and protein biochemistry, mineral biochemistry, clinical biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Since 2014, the Dr. Bishnu D. Sanwal Graduate Performance Award has been given to Biochemistry graduate students for performance in the graduate student seminar, participation in the visiting speakers program and general departmental affairs, and willingness to assist peers.
At a celebratory dinner on 30 Oct 2015, the Graduate Endowment Fund was re-named in honour of the contributions of Dr. Sanwal and Dr. Lo (also a former Chair of the Biochemistry Dept.). Further information about Dr. Sanwal's history can be found in the transcript of his speech from that event.
Past Sanwal Lectures
2026 - Dr. John Dick, Senior Scientist, Princess Margaret Hospital, UHN, Toronto, ON
Photos from 2026 Lecture (courtesy of Jess Jamieson)
Dr. Greg Gloor, current Chair of Biochemistry and host of the Lecture
Dr. Sanwal's granddaughter speaking at the Lecture
Dr. John Dick, Keynote Speaker at the Lecture
