Three neuroscience researchers from the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health — Drs. Adele Diamond, Janice Eng and Judy Illes — were recently appointed to the Order of Canada.
Considered one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to the country.
Dr. Diamond said it was a huge surprise when she first heard the news.
“It just feels wonderful. It feels very gratifying,” said Dr. Diamond. “It’s quite a big honour and on the one hand you feel like you don’t deserve it.”
Dr. Eng said Order of Canada recognition for researchers like her and Drs. Illes and Diamond will shed more light on what they do and hopefully the message that their work actually has an impact.
“We’re all women, senior women in science who have done a lot of leadership and a lot of research innovations,” she said. “To have senior women in real leadership roles, I think it’s certainly very special and, you know, there’s not that many of us.”
The latest appointments, announced on December 31, 2025 by the Governor General of Canada, highlight UBC and Canada’s leadership in neuroscience research across disciplines, and the profound global impact the three researchers have had on the treatment of neurological diseases ranging from stroke to neurodevelopmental disorders and beyond.
Dr. Illes said it was a “great day” for the university and “for neuroscience and the health sciences more broadly.”
“We have worked so hard to achieve what we have today,” she said. “Not only as scholars and scientists, but as women.”
“The Order of Canada fosters a sense of pride and cohesion in our country. Every appointment celebrates not only the talent, expertise and dedication of individuals, but also the countless lives they have touched through their work, vision and contributions,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. “Their commitment extends beyond borders, inspiring progress in our communities, our country and around the world. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each new appointee on this well‑deserved recognition.”
In total, the Governor General announced 80 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including 15 who have ties to UBC as faculty members and alumni.
Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.)
Adele Diamond, O.C.
Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Adele Diamond is a groundbreaking researcher and co-founder of the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience. Through collaborations integrating diverse disciplines and her talent for knowledge translation, she has transformed our understanding of early cognitive development and the brain’s prefrontal cortex. She has also shaped social policies, and improved medical and educational practices worldwide.
Janice J. Eng, O.C.
University Killam Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Janice Eng is an international leader in neurological rehabilitation. Through her influential research, she has advanced treatments and shaped clinical practice worldwide, notably in the delivery of upper and lower extremity recovery after stroke. She has improved the quality of life for thousands of patients in Canada and beyond.
Judy Illes, O.C.
Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine; Distinguished University Scholar; Distinguished Scholar in Neuroethics
Judy Illes is a distinguished university scholar at the University of British Columbia and director of Neuroethics Canada. An esteemed mentor and collaborator, she has made groundbreaking contributions to biomedical ethics and neuroscience, and is a proponent of Indigenous knowledge as a vital source for reframing Western medicine.
This is a promotion within the Order.
