IDRC alumni Hubert Zandstra and Ilsa‘s son, Dr Peter Zandstra is a 2025 Killam Prize Laureate for his work in Stem Cell Biology Engineering.
Peter Zandstra is a Professor and Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. He is a globally recognized leader in cell therapy bioprocess engineering, with pioneering contributions that are shaping the future of regenerative medicine and immunotherapy. His research is advancing regenerative medicine as a fundamental component of modern healthcare, alongside disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Stem cells are a renewable source of human cells that drive advancements in drug discovery, therapeutic development, and fundamental biomedical research. Zandstra’s work has deepened our understanding of stem cell biology, providing critical insights that have propelled the field forward.
By integrating engineering design principles, computational modeling, and stem cell biology, Zandstra’s research explores the mechanisms that govern cell fate decisions. His work has led to innovative therapeutic strategies, particularly in harnessing blood-forming cells to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. He has also translated fundamental discoveries from developmental biology into bioprocess engineering solutions, creating robust, scalable, and cost-effective technologies for manufacturing therapeutic cells.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Zandstra has played a key role in building sustainable, inclusive, and internationally respected biomedical research initiatives in Canada. His work is transforming the accessibility of life-saving cell-based therapies, making them more widely available to patients in need..
Bulletin 77
July 2025