Dr. Michael Wozny (PhD), a structural biologist in USask's College of Medicine, has been selected as one of the 2026 Canada Gairdner Early Career Investigators.
Dr. Michael Wozny (PhD), a structural biologist in USask's College of Medicine, has been selected as one of the 2026 Canada Gairdner Early Career Investigators. (Photo: Submitted)

USask structural biologist selected as 2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) biomedical researcher has been recognized with a prestigious honour celebrating their promising early-career innovations.

By Research Profile and Impact

Dr. Michael Wozny (PhD), a structural biologist in USask's College of Medicine, has been selected as one of the 2026 Canada Gairdner Early Career Investigators (ECI). The Gairdner Foundation celebrates the world's most accomplished researchers whose discoveries are improving the health and well-being of people around the world.  

Wozny joined the college’s Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology as an assistant professor in 2025.  

His research has advanced biological imaging techniques and has given unique insights into the structure of the interior of cells at an incredibly precise scale. This work has the potential to impact new vaccine design, drug development, and pandemic preparedness. 

The six Canada Gairdner ECIs selected in 2026 come from institutions across Canada and were selected by 2026 Gairdner Award laureates. The laureates and the ECIs will have the opportunity to present their research alongside each other during Gairdner Science Week 2026 in October.  

To learn more about Wozny and this year’s Canada Gairdner ECIs, read the Gairdner Foundation’s full press release.